At least eight Palestinians, predominantly children, lost their lives in an Israeli missile strike while collecting water in central Gaza. The incident occurred on Sunday at a water distribution point in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where six children were confirmed dead and 17 others sustained injuries, according to Dr. Ahmed Abu Saifan, an emergency physician at Al-Awda Hospital. The Israeli military stated that the missile was intended to target an Islamic Jihad militant but malfunctioned, falling “dozens of metres from the target.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expressed regret for any civilian casualties, noting that the incident is under review. Water shortages in Gaza have intensified recently due to fuel shortages, leading to the closure of desalination and sanitation facilities. As a result, residents have increasingly relied on collection centers for their water needs.
The situation escalated further later that day when a separate Israeli strike on a market in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, including prominent hospital consultant Ahmad Qandil. The Israeli military has not yet commented on this particular attack. As of now, Gaza’s health ministry reports that more than 58,000 people have been killed since the onset of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. Over the past 24 hours, the death toll has increased by 139, with more than half of those killed identified as women and children.
In light of the ongoing violence, Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, expressed optimism regarding ceasefire negotiations taking place in Qatar. He indicated plans to meet with senior Qatari officials on the sidelines of the FIFA Club World Cup final. Nonetheless, discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire have stalled as both parties remain divided over the terms of an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene his ministers to assess the latest developments in the negotiations. Indirect talks concerning a proposed 60-day ceasefire are ongoing in Doha, although earlier optimism has diminished significantly. Both sides have accused each other of inflexibility during these discussions.
In a statement on Telegram, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its core demands, including the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, dismantling Hamas, and ensuring that Gaza poses no future threat to Israel. The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following an incursion by Hamas militants into Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 hostages. Current estimates suggest that at least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages are still believed to be alive.
Additionally, discussions are underway regarding a plan to relocate hundreds of thousands of Gazan residents to the southern area of Rafah. This proposal, described by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz as a new “humanitarian city,” faces potential international criticism due to concerns over forced displacement. An Israeli source familiar with the discussions indicated that the establishment of this complex in Rafah would occur during the ceasefire, should an agreement be reached.
On Saturday, a Palestinian source involved in the truce talks reported that Hamas rejected Israeli proposals for withdrawal maps, as these would leave approximately 40 percent of the territory under Israeli control, including all of Rafah. The ongoing conflict continues to have devastating implications for the civilian population in Gaza, with urgent calls for humanitarian assistance and protection for vulnerable communities.
