Israeli strikes kill at least 30 people in Gaza amid failed ceasefire talks
- Israeli strikes killed at least 30 people in Gaza, including children, according to hospital staff.
- The conflict has seen a total of 56 deaths in the last 24 hours, as negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing.
- The humanitarian crisis is worsening in Gaza, with significant international concern over the high number of civilian casualties.
In the Gaza Strip, Israeli airstrikes led to the deaths of at least 30 individuals, including children, as reported by hospital staff on January 3, 2025. This tragic occurrence is part of an escalating conflict that has continued for months, with the total death toll rising to 56 in just 24 hours, including fatalities from the previous day. The Israeli army, which has not commented specifically on the latest strikes, stated it targeted dozens of Hamas positions, particularly those involved in recent attacks against Israel. The air raid sirens sounded across Israel, adding to the urgency of the situation. Reports indicate that missile attacks from Yemen were directed towards Israel, prompting immediate alerts and the need for civilians in Jerusalem and central Israel to take cover in shelters. While Israeli military officials reported that missiles were intercepted, the situation underscores the severity of ongoing hostilities. Numerous local residents and journalists gathered to mourn the loss of lives, including Omar al-Derawi, a freelancer who was among those killed early that Friday morning, which has drawn international attention and condemnation. Ceasefire negotiations, crucial for de-escalating the conflict, are expected to resume, with efforts led by a delegation departing for Qatar. The discussions, which have been sluggish and fraught for 15 months, arise from a long-standing conflict that escalated following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The aftermath of those actions resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. Israel has faced severe criticism internationally due to the high number of Palestinian casualties—over 45,500 reported by Gaza's Health Ministry. Despite claims that they only target militant forces, many argue that the Israeli military strikes contribute to significant civilian suffering within the densely populated areas of Gaza, where militants are said to operate. As both sides prepare for further talks, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to unfold, further complicating peace efforts.