Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued overnight despite growing optimism that a peace deal could be reached soon. Late on Saturday, Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Natanyahu said he hoped to announce the release of all remaining hostages in the coming days.
By Nathan Morley
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued overnight, even as hopes grew for a breakthrough in negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages and reaching a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Saturday he hoped to announce the release of all remaining hostages in the coming days.
Hamas has agreed to free the captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire, though the group is seeking further negotiations on additional terms.
Negotiators from both sides are expected to meet in Egypt in the coming days.
Death toll surpasses 67,000
Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry said Saturday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli military operations since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, has surpassed 67,000.
The ministry reported 67,074 deaths and 169,430 injuries. In a separate statement, officials said two children died in the past 24 hours from starvation and malnutrition, bringing the total number of deaths linked to food shortages to 459, including 154 children.
Houthi attacks
Separately, Israeli air defence systems intercepted a ballistic missile fired early Sunday by Houthi forces in Yemen.
The missile triggered air raid sirens near Ben Gurion International Airport, the Dead Sea, and several settlements in the occupied West Bank, sending millions of residents to shelters. No casualties were reported.
The Houthis have launched repeated missile and drone attacks on Israel and Israeli-linked vessels in the Red Sea since the Gaza conflict began, citing solidarity with Palestinians. Israel has responded with strikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.
