Israeli air and ground strikes claimed at least 27 Palestinian lives across Gaza on Sunday, even as Tel Aviv prepared to send a delegation to Qatar for ceasefire negotiations and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned fresh talks with United States President Donald Trump in Washington.
The Gaza Health Ministry, regarded by the United Nations as a credible source, reported nine deaths in Sheikh Ridwan, 12 in Gaza City, two in Al‑Mawasi camp near Khan Younis and one in Tuffah, north‑east of the enclave’s capital. Rescue teams said dozens more were feared buried beneath collapsed buildings after pre‑dawn bombardments, which followed Saturday’s toll of at least 78.
Netanyahu’s office said amendments proposed by Hamas to the latest truce draft were “unacceptable”, yet confirmed that Israeli negotiators would travel to Doha on Sunday “as part of a bridging effort to close gaps persisting between the two sides”.
Also read: Hamas readies for 'immediate' ceasefire talks as death toll rises
Domestic and international pressure on the Israeli leader is intensifying. Families of Israeli captives have now demonstrated for close to 650 days, while far‑right coalition partners threaten to withdraw support if a deal is struck. Analysts warn a coalition collapse would leave Netanyahu exposed to corruption trials that could make him the first former Israeli premier to face jail.
European Union diplomats and the White House are also pressing for rapid progress. Israeli media report that Netanyahu has shown new “flexibility” under pressure from Washington, which is keen to settle the Gaza war before turning its focus to Ukraine.
The Gaza conflict has already killed more than 34,000 Palestinians since October 2023, according to local authorities, while Israel says more than 1,400 people died in Hamas’s initial attack and subsequent rocket fire.
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