40 Killed In Gaza Strikes As Netanyahu, Trump Meet in Washington/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least 40 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes as Netanyahu met Trump in Washington to discuss a possible Gaza ceasefire. Civilians in Gaza remain desperate for relief amid ongoing bombardment and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Talks continue, but skepticism persists over lasting peace.
Gaza Conflict Quick Looks
- 40 Palestinians killed in latest Gaza airstrikes
- Netanyahu meets Trump at White House on ceasefire
- Israel strikes over 100 targets across Gaza Strip
- Civilians in Gaza plead for permanent ceasefire
- Food and water shortages worsen in crowded camps
- Trump envoy to continue indirect talks in Doha
- Over 57,000 Palestinians killed since war began
- UN considers Gaza Health Ministry data most reliable
Deep Look
Gaza Death Toll Rises As Netanyahu, Trump Pursue Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Strikes
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — At least 40 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, even as ceasefire negotiations gained urgency during meetings between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.
The deadly strikes underscored the severe toll of the 21-month war and highlighted the immense challenge facing mediators racing to finalize a deal that could pause the conflict, secure the release of Israeli hostages, and bring humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Airstrikes Kill Women and Children
In the southern city of Khan Younis, Nasser Hospital reported that among the dead were 17 women and 10 children. A single Israeli strike wiped out 10 members of the Shaaban family as they huddled inside their tent.
“I found all my children dead, and my daughters’ three children dead,” said Um Mohammad Shaaban, weeping as relatives struggled to release the bodies for burial. “It’s supposed to be a safe area where we were.”
The Israeli military said it struck over 100 targets in Gaza, including tunnels, weapons caches, militant sites, and booby-trapped buildings, reiterating claims that Hamas embeds fighters and weapons among civilians. However, it did not comment on specific strikes.
Daily Life Under Siege
Across Gaza, residents are enduring dire shortages of food, water, and medical care as strikes continue despite ceasefire talks.
In Muwasi, a coastal area crowded with makeshift tents for displaced families, Abeer al-Najjar described the daily struggle for survival.
“I pray to God that there would be a pause, and not just a pause where they lie to us for a month or two, then start doing what they’re doing to us again. We want a full ceasefire.”
Her husband, Ali al-Najjar, ran to a water truck, buckets in hand, as neighbors chased after dwindling supplies.
Amani Abu-Omar, another resident, said water deliveries come only every four days. “My kids are dehydrated. We’ve been waiting for a ceasefire, but every time it’s just talk.”
War’s Human Toll
Since the war erupted on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack that killed roughly 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages, Israel’s counteroffensive has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Over half the dead are women and children, the ministry says.
The UN and other international organizations regard the Gaza Health Ministry’s casualty figures as the most reliable, although the ministry does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.
Netanyahu, Trump Discuss Ceasefire and Regional Ties
Meanwhile in Washington, Netanyahu told reporters that he and Trump “see eye to eye” on the need to dismantle Hamas.
“The cooperation and coordination between Israel and the U.S. is currently the best it has ever been during Israel’s 77-year history,” Netanyahu said.
He also revealed discussions about a “great victory” over Iran following joint Israeli-American strikes during the 12-day conflict earlier this year.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected in Doha this week for further indirect negotiations with Hamas. Witkoff confirmed Tuesday that three key issues in ceasefire talks have been resolved, though one significant sticking point remains.
Netanyahu expressed optimism about expanding the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab nations, saying new opportunities are opening for peace in the region. Washington has pushed to add Saudi Arabia to that circle.
Ceasefire Hopes Collide With Ongoing Violence
Despite diplomatic maneuvering, strikes in Gaza have only intensified in recent days, leaving many residents skeptical of promises of peace.
“We had expected ceasefires on many occasions, but it was for nothing,” said Amani Abu-Omar, reflecting widespread war fatigue. “We just want this to end once and for all.”
As negotiations continue, the stark reality remains for civilians in Gaza: relentless bombing, scarce resources, and fading hope for a lasting peace.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.