"Israel intensifies lethal strikes on Gaza ahead of truce negotiations"

Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive as Ceasefire Talks Approach

Israel has increased its military operations in Gaza ahead of expected ceasefire negotiations, with warships and artillery carrying out some of the heaviest bombardments in the Palestinian territory in months.

Medical workers and officials in Gaza reported that around 90 people were killed overnight and on Thursday, including many women and children. The death toll was even higher during attacks on Tuesday night and Wednesday, they added. Among the victims was Marwan al-Sultan, a cardiologist and head of the Indonesian hospital in northern Gaza, who died in an airstrike that also killed his wife and five children.

In total, roughly 300 people may have been killed this week, with thousands more wounded, according to authorities.

Despite the surge in violence, hopes for a ceasefire grew after an announcement on Tuesday suggested Israel had agreed to the terms of a potential truce with Hamas. The deal would include a 60-day halt in fighting, a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of some hostages still held by Hamas.

Israel’s security cabinet was set to convene on Thursday night to decide whether to move forward with the agreement or escalate military actions further.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, is expected to travel to Washington on Sunday for discussions with U.S. leaders regarding the ceasefire, recent tensions between Israel and Iran, and potential broader regional agreements.

Earlier this week, Israeli officials indicated progress toward a truce, with one minister citing "positive signs" and another confirming willingness to advance a deal.

A previous ceasefire collapsed in March after Israel withdrew from planned negotiations. Since then, nearly 6,500 people have been killed in Gaza due to repeated airstrikes, shelling, and clashes between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters.

While Israel has eased some restrictions on Gaza, minimal aid is reaching those most at risk, with famine posing a severe threat.

On Thursday, dozens of Palestinians attempting to access humanitarian aid were among the casualties. Five were reportedly killed by Israeli fire near distribution sites managed by a newly established aid group operating with U.S. and Israeli backing.

Officials said roughly 45 others seeking aid were killed elsewhere in Gaza, allegedly by Israeli forces. Hundreds more have died in recent weeks while gathered around aid trucks and convoys organized by international agencies.

Israel’s military has acknowledged that civilians seeking aid have been harmed and that forces are taking steps to address the situation.