Aerial attack from Israel leaves seven family members deceased, as Blinken prepares to advocate for a truce and hostage exchange agreement.
At least 7 individuals, comprising 6 children and their mother, met their demise in an Israeli air strike on a residence in Deir al-Balah on a Sunday, as per Al-Aqsa hospital. The children's father survived, a hospital representative stated.
Muhammad Awad Khattab, the children's grandfather, shared with CNN: "They were caught off guard when a missile struck them, utterly demolishing their apartment."
"What sin did they commit to deserve this?" he questioned. "What resistance did they possess?"
As the conflict intensifies in Gaza, Blinken embarks on a journey to Israel, as per a senior administration official, "to further emphasize the significance of settling this [agreement]."
The most recent strike in Gaza transpired merely a day following an Israeli strike causing the deaths of at least 15 individuals, all affiliated with the same family, in the al-Zawayda region of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. Nine children were among the casualties, according to Gaza Civil Defense.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Israeli military acknowledged continuing operations in Khan Yunis and Dir al-Balah. It declared that the military targeted "areas from which the launches were issued towards Nirim (Friday)" and "destroyed armed launchers in the Khan Yunis area."
The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders in north Khan Younis and east Deir al-Balah on Friday, further limiting the territorial extent of the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone.
Residents of Gaza have endured a succession of evacuation orders. According to the UN, since last October, over 80% of the Gaza Strip has been subjected to such orders, significantly impacting the local population’s access to fundamental services and shelter.
Israel's military intervention in Gaza – triggered by Hamas attacks on October 7 – has claimed the lives of over 40,000 individuals and left much of the territory in ruins. Worsening the Gaza inhabitants' predicament, doctors detected the initial occurrence of polio in Gaza in 25 years.
Peace efforts gain momentum
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, is slated to arrive in Israel later on Sunday within the framework of swift endeavors to solidify an evasive Gaza truce and hostage agreement.
A ceasefire proposal, drafted by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, was introduced on Friday following two days of high-stakes negotiations in Doha. Mediators have heightened their efforts due to concerns over Iranian retribution resulting from the assassination of a Hamas leader in Tehran.
Blinken's visit represents a recurring pattern from the US top diplomat, engaging in in-person meetings to project high-level public pressure in relation to the need for an accord. He will engage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other prominent figures on Monday.
The senior administration official declined to disclose how the US intends to influence the Israeli government to accept the deal.
"It's evident that an agreement would not only benefit the Israeli people, but would also alleviate some of the suffering in Gaza. We will broach all these matters directly," they informed the press accompanying Blinken.
US officials comprising President Joe Biden have expressed renewed optimism regarding finalizing a ceasefire agreement. However, Hamas has refuted the advancements, with a senior official from the militant group telling the BBC that mediators were "peddling illusions."
According to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, the Israeli negotiating team remains hopeful about reaching a ceasefire-hostage agreement. A statement from the PMO on Saturday conveyed that "there is hope that the intense pressure exerted on Hamas by the United States and mediators will enable a breakthrough in negotiations."
The world has been closely monitoring the escalating conflict in Gaza, with Europe expressing concern over the humanitarian situation. The destructive Israeli air strikes have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 22 individuals, including children, in Deir al-Balah and al-Zawayda regions.
