Israel steps up attacks on Gaza, kills 8, as truce talks continue

By Desmond Nleya
Hamas announces the start of a “new round of negotiations” with Israel as US envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in the Qatari capital, Doha, to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza.
Israel steps up attacks on Gaza, killing at least eight people, including a child, as the United Nations and relief groups urge an end to the Israeli blockade on all aid entering the Strip.
Israel returns five Lebanese citizens it took captive and announces talks on demarcating the Israeli-Lebanon border. It also says Israeli troops will remain in occupied Syrian territory for an “unlimited period”.
Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed that at least 48,503 Palestinians have been killed and 111,927 wounded in Israel’s war on Gaza. Gaza’s Government Media Office has updated its death toll to more than 61,700, saying thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are presumed dead. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks and more than 200 were taken captive.