Gaza Conflict Intensifies: UN Urges Ceasefire as Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens

Key Highlights

• UN chief António Guterres calls for urgent truce in Gaza.

• UNRWA warns of rising child malnutrition deaths.

• Israeli airstrikes leave at least 70 Palestinians dead in 24 hours.

CAIRO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that Israel is ready to resume negotiations over the release of captives in Gaza and bring an end to the nearly two-year conflict—but only under conditions acceptable to Israel.

This marks Netanyahu’s first response to a ceasefire plan mediated by Egypt and Qatar, which Hamas agreed to earlier this week. An Israeli official confirmed that negotiators will join the talks once a venue is finalized.

Addressing troops near the Gaza border, Netanyahu reiterated his determination to defeat Hamas and proceed with military plans to capture Gaza City, despite mounting international pressure to halt the offensive. Over the past 10 days, thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes as Israeli tanks advanced deeper into the city’s outskirts.

Earlier this month, Israel’s security cabinet, led by Netanyahu, approved a strategy to seize Gaza City—despite appeals from close allies to reconsider the decision. The Israeli government insists any truce deal must include the release of all 50 hostages taken in October 2023.

Ceasefire Proposal

The latest peace initiative calls for a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release 10 hostages alive and hand over 18 bodies, in exchange for Israel freeing around 200 Palestinian detainees who have spent decades in its prisons.

If the temporary ceasefire holds, both sides would then negotiate a permanent agreement that ensures the release of remaining captives and a longer-term end to hostilities.

UN Chief Demands Immediate Truce

UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking in Tokyo, urged an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life in Gaza. He warned that Israel’s planned assault on Gaza City would trigger catastrophic civilian casualties.

“It is vital to secure a ceasefire now to avoid further death and devastation,” Guterres said, also pressing Hamas to release all hostages and calling on Israel to halt its expansion of “illegal” settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), expressed alarm over the worsening humanitarian situation. He revealed a six-fold increase in cases of child malnutrition in Gaza since March, warning that many children could die unless emergency aid reaches them immediately.

Escalation of Airstrikes

The Gaza health ministry reported that 70 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours due to Israeli airstrikes, including eight members of one family in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.

Despite international appeals for restraint, Israel intensified its bombardment and called up 60,000 reservists, signaling its intent to press ahead with its Gaza City operation. Meanwhile, desperation among Gaza’s population continues to grow, with hundreds taking to the streets in protest against deteriorating living conditions.