Gaza / West Asia – Even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed a potential hostage deal “within days,” the Israeli occupation forces unleashed a fresh wave of brutal air and ground attacks across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 82 Palestinians in just 24 hours. Among the victims were nine civilians waiting for aid—underscoring the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe inflicted on the besieged enclave, reported the Al Jazeera.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the overall death toll since October 7, 2023, has reached a staggering 57,762 Palestinians, with 137,656 wounded, many of them women and children. The relentless Israeli aggression continues to devastate Gaza’s population, infrastructure, and civilian morale, despite repeated international pleas for restraint.
As talks brokered by Qatar continue in the background, Netanyahu’s remarks to foreign media outlets appeared more as political posturing than genuine concern for peace. While he spoke of securing the release of Israeli captives, he made no mention of the thousands of Palestinian prisoners languishing in Israeli jails, many of them detained without charge—including women, minors, and journalists.
Meanwhile, Palestinian resistance group Hamas remains steadfast in its demand for a just ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the release of all Palestinian detainees. Hamas has emphasized that any agreement must reflect the dignity and rights of the Palestinian people, not just serve Israeli interests.
Despite Netanyahu’s claims that 50 Israeli hostages remain, with around 20 presumed alive, Gaza continues to endure daily bombardments. Markets, homes, mosques, clinics, and refugee camps are not spared. The most recent attacks targeted aid seekers and areas near hospitals, prompting global condemnation and further calls to investigate potential war crimes.
Palestinian voices have repeatedly highlighted the hypocrisy of Western powers backing Israeli narratives while remaining silent on the genocidal assault on Gaza. Humanitarian agencies warn that fuel, food, and medical supplies are nearing depletion. The siege has left hundreds of thousands displaced, many without shelter, electricity, or access to clean water.
Despite immense suffering, the people of Gaza continue to resist with resilience and dignity. The spirit of steadfastness—sumud—remains unbroken, even in the face of one of the most brutal military campaigns in modern history.
