Israeli strike in Gaza kills 23 as Arab mediators seek long-term truce
Israeli Strike in Gaza Kills 23 as Arab Mediators Seek Long-Term Truce Gaza City, April 24, 2025 Local health officials say that an Israeli airstrike in the densely populated Gaza Strip has killed at least 23 Palestinians, including women and children. This escalating conflict has already killed thousands of people. Arab mediators are working to broker a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the de facto ruling group in Gaza, and the strike comes amid these efforts. ### The Most Dangerous Attack in Recent Days The airstrike, which occurred late Tuesday night, targeted what the Israeli military described as "militant infrastructure" in central Gaza. Witnesses and Palestinian officials, on the other hand, said that residential buildings were hit, killing a lot of civilians. Dr. Mahmoud Al-Kahlout, a senior Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital official, said that at least 23 people were killed, including six children and four women. He stated, "The majority of those who were injured or killed were not fighters." "They were families sleeping in their homes." The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement shortly after the attack, claiming the strike was aimed at eliminating high-ranking Hamas operatives and preventing future attacks on Israeli territory. According to the statement, "We will continue to act against terrorist threats while doing our utmost to avoid civilian casualties." ### Rising Civilian Toll The death toll in Gaza has risen sharply in recent weeks as Israeli air raids intensify in response to rocket attacks from Palestinian militants. Over 1,200 Palestinians have been reported killed since the latest conflict erupted in early March, with the United Nations estimating that over 60% of the victims are civilians. Meanwhile, Israel reports dozens of casualties from rockets and infiltration attempts. In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating. More than 70% of Gaza's population is now displaced, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and they have limited access to clean water, electricity, and medical supplies. Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), said, “Every day that this conflict continues, it is the civilians who pay the highest price. The international community must step up pressure on both parties to stop the bloodshed.” ### Diplomatic Efforts Intensify In the wake of the latest escalation, Arab mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan have intensified diplomatic efforts to broker a long-term ceasefire. Egyptian intelligence officials arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to hold talks with Israeli leaders, while Qatari representatives met with Hamas officials in Doha. The proposed ceasefire framework, according to sources in the region, calls for a prisoner exchange, a gradual cessation of hostilities, and the reopening of Gaza's border crossings. The framework also calls for renewed discussions on lifting the 17-year blockade of Gaza, a key demand of Hamas. Despite the intense diplomatic push, analysts remain skeptical about the likelihood of a durable truce. “Both sides are deeply entrenched in their positions,” said Dr. Fadi El-Salem, a Middle East analyst at the Al-Sharq Policy Forum. “Without a broader political solution, any ceasefire is likely to be short-lived.” ### Regional and International Reactions The latest Israeli strike has drawn widespread condemnation from Arab nations. The Saudi Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the attack "a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law" and urged the UN Security Council to intervene. In contrast, the United States reiterated its support for Israel's right to self-defense but expressed concern over civilian casualties. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said, “We urge all parties to take immediate steps to de-escalate tensions and work toward a sustainable peace.” The European Union called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and announced plans to send a humanitarian envoy to Gaza to assess the situation on the ground. ### A Region on the Brink As the violence in Gaza continues to spiral, the risk of a broader regional conflict looms. Militias in southern Lebanon and Syria have issued statements of solidarity with Hamas, and sporadic cross-border skirmishes have already been reported. Analysts warn that without a ceasefire, the conflict could spill over, drawing in multiple actors across the region. For the people of Gaza, however, the priority remains survival. “We don’t know if we’ll make it through the night,” said Yasmine Abu Khalil, a mother of three in Deir al-Balah. “We just want the bombs to stop.” With Arab mediators scrambling for a breakthrough and the death toll mounting, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether the region moves toward peace or sinks deeper into war.
