Ground Escalation Meets Diplomatic Push
At least 60 people were killed across Gaza on Monday, marking some of the heaviest Israeli strikes in weeks. The escalation comes as Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer traveled to Washington for renewed ceasefire talks driven by US President Donald Trump’s call to "Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back."
Fields of conflict: Israeli tanks moved into eastern Zeitoun, a suburb of Gaza City, while aircraft bombed at least four schools after ordering hundreds of families to evacuate. Health authorities reported 58 deaths on Monday alone, including 10 in Zeitoun and 13 in southwest Gaza City—most struck by gunfire amid ongoing air operations.
A devastating airstrike on a beachfront cafe in Gaza City claimed 22 lives, among them women, children, and a local journalist. The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate says over 220 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the conflict intensified in October 2023.
Displacement and Livelihoods at Risk
Evacuation orders for large districts in northern Gaza have sparked a new wave of displacement. With schools damaged and family homes in ruins, aid agencies warn of mounting humanitarian strains as basic services falter.
In a statement, the Israeli military said it targeted militant command centers in northern Gaza and took steps to mitigate civilian harm. There was no immediate response to reports of civilian casualties near the beachfront cafe or in the southwest Gaza Strip.
Global Voices and Next Steps
As Dermer begins meetings with Trump administration officials, the world watches whether diplomatic efforts can curb the violence and secure the release of hostages. For a generation of global citizens, the Gaza crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable solutions that protect civilians and uphold international norms.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
