At least 62 Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes starting early Saturday morning, even after ceasefire proposals and widespread calls to halt the violence. Among those killed were civilians who were struck in targeted bombings, highlighting that Israel’s assault continues unabated despite diplomatic efforts.
Medical sources in Gaza report that 45 fatalities occurred in Gaza City alone, which has been under heavy bombardment since September. In one tragic incident, an airstrike destroyed a residential building in the Tuffah neighborhood, killing 18 members of one family, including seven children. More than 40 people were injured in that strike, and rescue teams say at least 15 remain trapped under the rubble.
These deaths came just hours after former U.S. President Donald Trump urged for an immediate ceasefire — a proposal that followed Hamas’s offer to swap all captives in return for a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas confirmed its readiness to comply, describing the plan as a path to end the war and restore Gaza to its people.
Despite those developments, Israel intensified its air attacks. Critics — including humanitarian advocates and diplomatic voices — condemned the ongoing strikes, arguing they undermine any chance for peace and deepen Gaza’s suffering. On the ground, many see these bombings as not isolated military actions but part of a methodical campaign designed to inflict maximum harm and terror.