Gaza Ceasefire Talks Resume as Israeli Strike Kills Seven Palestinians

An Israeli airstrike killed at least seven Palestinians, including two women, in Gaza City on Saturday, according to local health officials, as renewed Gaza ceasefire talks began in Cairo aimed at preserving the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

Medical sources reported that the strike targeted a large tent camp in central Gaza City, leaving seven people dead and injuring 15 others, including several children. The Israeli military confirmed carrying out an operation against what it described as “terrorists” but did not provide additional information regarding the target.

The latest violence highlights the ongoing instability in Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement brokered with support from U.S. President Donald Trump. While the truce reduced large-scale fighting, it has not fully stopped Israeli military operations. Israel continues to maintain control over significant areas of the Gaza Strip following the conflict that erupted after Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel in October 2023.

Meanwhile, Egypt has hosted a fresh round of negotiations involving Hamas leaders and representatives from other Palestinian factions. Sources close to the discussions said the talks are expected to continue for several days as mediators work to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem stated that discussions are focused on ensuring Israel fulfills commitments made during the first phase of the truce while exploring pathways toward a second phase. Key issues include Israeli troop withdrawals, the future governance of Gaza, and Hamas disarmament, topics that have previously stalled negotiations.

According to sources familiar with the talks, Hamas has informed mediators from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and representatives linked to Trump’s peace initiative that progress depends on ending Israeli attacks, increasing humanitarian aid deliveries, and returning Israeli forces to agreed ceasefire positions.

Gaza health authorities say nearly 73,000 people have been killed since the war began, with civilians accounting for the majority of casualties. Officials also report that around 950 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire started. Israel’s military says four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants during the same period.

The war began after Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 people and took 251 Israeli and foreign hostages during the October 7, 2023 attacks, according to Israeli officials. As ceasefire negotiations continue, hopes remain that diplomatic efforts can reduce violence and create conditions for a lasting peace in Gaza.