Israeli air attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed at least 35 people, mostly in the southern cities of Rafah and Khan Younis, as Palestinians marked the first day of the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday. The attacks came despite renewed ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his demands for Hamas to disarm and its leaders to leave Gaza, while also promising to step up pressure on the group to release 59 remaining captives it is holding. The US-backed demands are part of a revised three-phase ceasefire agreement.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with food shortages and high prices making it difficult for families to secure meals. Israel has halted aid deliveries since early March, exacerbating the crisis.
Ceasefire talks seem remote, with Hamas refusing the new demands. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said Netanyahu’s comments were a recipe for “endless escalation” in the region. The Israeli military has destroyed at least five rescue vehicles and killed medical workers during recent attacks.
Netanyahu rejected assertions that Israel is not negotiating, saying “We are conducting it under fire, and therefore it is also effective”. However, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya said laying down arms was a “red line” the group would not cross. The violence has sparked concerns about a potential breakdown in peace talks.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/30/israeli-air-attacks-kill-dozens-in-gaza-as-palestinians-mark-eid-al-fitr