CAIRO: Overnight Israeli airstrikes killed at least 100 Palestinians across Gaza, according to local health officials on Sunday, while ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Doha, Qatar.
The Israeli military, which has intensified its operations since Thursday, has not commented on the latest casualties. The strikes, part of preparations for a potential new ground assault, have reportedly killed hundreds as Israel seeks to establish "operational control" over parts of the enclave.
Gaza health ministry spokesperson Khalil Al-Deqran told Reuters by phone that entire families were wiped from civil records due to the bombardment. “We have at least 100 martyrs since overnight,” he said.
Israel has continued to block humanitarian aid—including medical, food, and fuel supplies—since March, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli hostages. Israeli leadership has approved plans that could include full control over Gaza and direct management of aid distribution.
Hamas has stated it will only release hostages if Israel agrees to a ceasefire. Talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and supported by the U.S. resumed Saturday, but sources say no progress has been made. A Palestinian official involved in the negotiations said Hamas is showing flexibility on the number of hostages to be released but insists on a firm Israeli commitment to end the war.
Reports from Sky News Arabia and the BBC indicate that Hamas proposed freeing about half of the hostages in return for a two-month truce and the release of Palestinian detainees. A Hamas representative told Reuters that Israel’s refusal to commit to ending the war remains the major obstacle.
One airstrike hit a tent settlement in Khan Younis, killing multiple women and children and injuring many more. Three journalists and their families also died, and another northern Gaza family lost at least 20 members.
Hospitals, crippled by ongoing attacks and aid blockades, are overwhelmed. Deqran noted severe shortages of medical supplies, especially for wounded children and amputees.
Israel says its military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas' military and governing infrastructure after the group’s October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took around 250 hostages. Gaza authorities say the conflict has killed more than 53,000 people and displaced nearly all residents.
