Israeli Airstrikes K!ll 23 In Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Makes Slow Progress

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Saturday killed at least 23 Palestinians, one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire in October, according to local hospitals. The strikes hit multiple locations, including an apartment building in Gaza City, a tent camp in Khan Younis, and a police station in Gaza City. Among the casualties were at least six children and two women. Shifa Hospital reported that the police station strike killed at least 11 people, including officers and detainees.

The attacks occurred a day before the Rafah crossing with Egypt is scheduled to reopen, a critical step in the second phase of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The crossing is seen as vital for tens of thousands needing medical treatment outside Gaza, where much of the medical infrastructure has been destroyed. Saturday’s strikes underscore that violence continues even as talks progress, with Hamas condemning the attacks and calling on mediators to press Israel to halt its strikes. Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, Gaza’s Health Ministry has recorded 509 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire