At least 69 people were reportedly killed across Gaza on Thursday amid a surge in Israeli airstrikes, according to local rescue teams.
One of the deadliest attacks struck a school in Gaza City that was serving as a shelter for displaced civilians, killing 15 people. The Israeli military claimed the site was hosting a senior Hamas figure.
Another 38 people were said to have died while gathering or traveling to receive humanitarian aid. The Israeli military dismissed these casualty figures as false.
The escalation comes as international pressure mounts for a renewed ceasefire and hostage release deal, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing earlier this week that Israel had agreed to key terms for a proposed 60-day truce.
While Hamas says it is reviewing the ceasefire plan, the group maintains that a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the conflict remain essential conditions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday and has reiterated that Hamas must be defeated for long-term peace.
