Israel airstrikes kill at least 130 in Gaza as negotiators seek ceasefire
News Mania Desk / Piyal Chatterjee /18th May 2025
Health officials reported on Sunday that Israeli strikes overnight resulted in the deaths of at least 130 Palestinians throughout Gaza, while Israel stated that discussions with Hamas involved a proposal to cease the conflict; however, sources from both sides indicated that no advancements had been made in the negotiations.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the recent indirect discussions in Doha involved negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage agreement, along with a proposal to conclude the conflict in exchange for the exile of Hamas fighters and the demilitarization of the area, conditions that Hamas has previously turned down.
The content of the statement aligned with earlier remarks from Israel, but the timing, while negotiators were meeting, suggested some possibility of flexibility in Israel’s stance. A top Israeli official stated that no advancement had been made in the discussions thus far. He emphasized that Hamas was suggesting the release of all Israeli captives in exchange for ceasing the conflict, withdrawing Israeli forces, lifting the blockade on Gaza aid, and freeing Palestinian detainees.
The overnight airstrikes on Gaza hit as Israel prepares for a new ground offensive aimed at achieving “operational control” in parts of Gaza.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said at least 464 Palestinians were killed in the week to Sunday as a result of Israel’s escalated bombardment. The deaths of at least 130 Palestinians overnight are in addition to that figure.
“Complete families were wiped off the civil registration record by (overnight) Israeli bombardment,” Khalil Al-Deqran, Gaza health ministry spokesperson, told Reuters by phone.
The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the casualties.
Israel has blocked the entry of medical, food and fuel supplies into Gaza since the start of March to try to pressure Hamas into freeing Israeli hostages and has approved plans that could involve seizing the entire Gaza strip and controlling aid.
