**Gaza Crisis Deepens: At Least 69 Palestinians Killed by Israeli Fire**
In a devastating escalation of violence, at least 69 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza on Thursday. The Israeli military’s bombardment has intensified, with reports of multiple air strikes and artillery shelling hitting civilian areas.
One particularly tragic incident occurred when an air strike hit a school-turned-shelter for displaced families in Gaza City, killing 15 people, mostly women and children. The Israeli military claimed it targeted a Hamas “key” operative in the area, but eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene of destruction and death.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, with many civilians killed or injured while waiting in line for aid or on their way to collect it. The Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported that 38 people died under these circumstances, but the Israeli military dismissed these reports as “lies”.
**International Pressure Mounts**
US President Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and release of hostages deal. Last week, Trump announced that Israel had agreed to “necessary” conditions for a 60-day ceasefire, but details have yet to be made public.
Hamas has said it is studying the proposals, but insists that the war must end and Israeli forces withdrawn from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that the Palestinian Armed Group must be eliminated.
**Civilians Caught in Crossfire**
The conflict has left many civilians caught in the middle, with reports of innocent people killed or injured while seeking aid or trying to flee the area.
Ashraf Ab Shaba, a resident who witnessed the strike on his tent in southern al-Mawasi region, described the scene as “unbearable”. He said: “The occupation [Israel] says there are safe zones but there are none. Everywhere is a target.”
**UN and Aid Organizations Condemn Israeli Actions**
The United Nations and other aid organizations have condemned Israel’s actions, citing reports of civilians killed or injured while seeking aid.
The UN has refused to cooperate with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which uses US private security contractors to distribute food. The GHF has been accused of violating fundamental humanitarian principles, but its officials reject allegations that they open fire on civilians awaiting aid.
**Casualty Figures Continue to Mount**
The health ministry in Gaza reported 118 deaths during the same time period, while the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency reported 15 people killed at a school-turned-shelter. The overall toll since May has reached at least 57,130 people, according to the health ministry.
As the international community continues to call for a ceasefire, one thing is clear: the people of Gaza are paying a devastating price in this conflict.
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