The recent Israeli airstrikes in southern and central Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 48 people, with half of them being women and children, according to health officials.
European foreign ministers and U.N. agencies have called for a cease-fire due to concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis and potential starvation in Gaza.
Tensions have also escalated in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where three Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a highway checkpoint, killing one person and injuring five others.
Efforts are underway to reach a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas to pause the conflict in Gaza and secure the release of around 130 Israeli hostages held by Hamas since October.
Israeli officials have warned of a possible ground offensive into Rafah during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages.
More than half of Gaza’s population is crowded into Rafah, raising fears of mass casualties in the event of an Israeli assault.
Thirteen U.N. agencies and five aid groups have pleaded for a ceasefire, citing the humanitarian crisis and the risk of further civilian casualties.
The foreign ministers of 26 European countries have also called for a pause in fighting to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation.
In the West Bank, tensions are high ahead of Ramadan, with increased clashes expected due to the ongoing Gaza war and violence in the region.
Since the start of the conflict, the Israeli army has conducted nightly raids in the West Bank, resulting in numerous arrests and casualties.
Israeli settlers have also increased attacks on Palestinians, further fueling tensions in the region.
The bombardment of Gaza continues, with Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas and infrastructure.
The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 29,400, with thousands more wounded, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, holding the group responsible for civilian deaths and the ongoing conflict.
Efforts to broker a cease-fire have stalled, with disagreements over Hamas’ demands for the release of hostages and Israeli military actions in Gaza.
