Gaza/Jerusalem: At least 66 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed on Thursday in Israeli airstrikes near a health clinic in Gaza, according to the enclave’s civil defence agency. The victims were reportedly waiting in line to receive food when the strike hit.
The UN children’s agency confirmed that among the dead was a one-year-old boy, who, according to his mother, had spoken his first words just hours earlier.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking on Thursday, said his government is open to a “lasting ceasefire” with Hamas, but only after a temporary truce begins and certain conditions are met.
He emphasised that Hamas must disarm and relinquish control of Gaza, adding:
“If this can be achieved through negotiations, great. If it cannot be achieved through negotiations within 60 days, we will have to achieve it through other means, by using… the force of our heroic army,” AFP quoted him as saying.
Netanyahu made the statement amid talks in Washington with former US President Donald Trump, focusing on a 60-day pause in the conflict that began on October 7, 2023, now stretching into its 21st month.
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are also being held in Qatar, with the militant group reportedly agreeing to release 10 out of 20 hostages still believed to be alive.
However, major disagreements remain unresolved. Hamas is demanding:
- Unrestricted humanitarian aid access into Gaza.
- A full Israeli military withdrawal from the territory.
- Real guarantees on a permanent ceasefire.
Netanyahu, facing pressure from within Israel as military casualties rise, reiterated that neutralising Hamas remains a non-negotiable goal for Israel.
🗣️ Hamas Rejects Israeli Control Over Rafah
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim told AFP:
“We will not accept the perpetuation of the occupation of our land or Palestinians being forced into isolated enclaves.”
He specifically rejected Israeli military control over:
- Rafah (bordering Egypt)
- The Morag Corridor (connecting Rafah to Khan Yunis)
Earlier in the conflict, Israel had stated its intent to seize and depopulate areas of Gaza to create buffer zones for security.
Naim also criticised the US- and Israeli-backed aid distribution system, claiming it had led to civilian deaths as desperate residents tried to access food.