Israeli strikes across Gaza have killed more than 35 people, according to health workers, with women, children and civilians seeking aid among the dead. Hospital sources in Gaza said that at least 11 people were killed in a strike on a house in central Gaza, while nine members of one family died in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Six others were reported killed while attempting to collect aid in central and southern areas.
The Israeli military confirmed it had hit around 120 targets since Friday, which it described as “buildings used by terror groups, terror operatives and other infrastructure”. Its expanded offensive is now focused on Gaza City, which Israel says is the final stronghold of Hamas.
Civilians have described desperate conditions amid continuing bombardment. Salwa Subhi Bakr, a Gaza resident quoted by AFP, said: “They tell us go there, then come back here… People are in the streets, in the south scattered everywhere. Where should we go? What does the world want from us? What does Netanyahu want? What does Hamas want?”
The strikes came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the UN General Assembly that Israel “must finish the job” against Hamas. His speech, in which he rejected recognition of Palestinian statehood as “insane”, prompted dozens of delegates to walk out of the hall in protest.
US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has said that his administration is close to brokering a ceasefire and hostage release deal. He described “inspired and productive discussions” with Middle Eastern leaders, while special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly drafted a new 21-point peace plan.
According to Israeli media, the proposal includes the release of all hostages, an immediate ceasefire, the exchange of large numbers of Palestinian prisoners, and a pathway towards a Palestinian state. It also reportedly calls for Hamas to disarm, full demilitarisation of Gaza, and a process to “de-radicalise” the population.
Netanyahu strongly rejected the idea of Palestinian statehood in his UN address, while Hamas has not signalled agreement to the reported provisions. The plan is expected to be a key topic when Trump meets Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
Foreign journalists remain banned from entering Gaza independently, limiting reporting to official statements and accounts from health workers and residents. With the second anniversary of the Hamas-led attack approaching, hopes for a ceasefire remain uncertain amid ongoing violence.
