A fresh wave of Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza killed 15 civilians, including 10 children, as they queued outside a health centre in Deir Al Balah on Friday morning, according to medical personnel and officials on the ground.
The attack targeted a Project Hope-run medical facility where families had gathered to receive nutritional supplements and medical aid. The centre has now been closed indefinitely, following the deadly incident.
“This morning, innocent families were mercilessly attacked as they stood in line waiting for the doors to open. This is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” said Rabih Torbay, CEO of Project Hope.
Israeli Military Responds
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strike was aimed at a Hamas operative allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023 attack that reignited the conflict.
“The IDF is aware of reports regarding a number of injured individuals in the area. The incident is under review. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and operates to minimise harm as much as possible,” read an official IDF statement.
Rising Death Toll in Gaza
The Palestinian health ministry reported that at least 67 more people have been killed by Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, as Israel continues to escalate aerial and ground operations.
Meanwhile, Hamas has intensified its guerrilla-style attacks, reportedly killing at least 20 Israeli soldiers in various sectors of Gaza in the same period.
Ceasefire Talks Progress in Doha
Despite the ongoing violence, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are underway in Doha, with the goal of achieving a 60-day ceasefire, facilitating hostage releases, and increasing humanitarian aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that his government is open to negotiating a permanent ceasefire during the proposed truce period—but only if Gaza is fully demilitarised.
“At the beginning of this ceasefire, we will enter negotiations for a permanent end to the war,” Netanyahu said in a video message from Washington on Thursday.
US Proposal for Hostage Release
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has proposed that the 60-day truce begin with the release of 10 hostages, roughly half of those believed to be still alive in Gaza.
With civilian casualties mounting and international pressure growing, the outcome of the Doha talks could determine whether the devastating conflict, now in its tenth month, finally edges toward a resolution—or continues to deepen its humanitarian toll.
