Violence Escalates in Gaza: Over 15 Palestinians Killed in Latest Israeli Strike

At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in an Israeli strike in Zawayda, Gaza. Israel issued new evacuation orders due to Hamas rocket fire. The ongoing conflict has displaced most of Gaza's population. Ceasefire talks mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt paused, seeking to end the fighting.

At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in an airstrike conducted by Israel in the Gaza town of Zawayda, according to WAFA, the official Palestinian news agency, on Saturday. The Israeli military acknowledged the reports and stated it was investigating. The strike came amid new Israeli-issued evacuation orders linked to Hamas rocket fire.

The Israeli military advised residents in parts of central Gaza, including the Maghazi district near Zawayda, to evacuate to designated humanitarian zones. Military officials noted that militants were firing rockets from these areas, warranting potential military actions. However, Reuters could not independently verify if Zawayda was included in the evacuation orders or if residents received them.

On Friday, two sections in western Khan Younis, within what Israel calls a humanitarian zone, were deemed hazardous, prompting evacuation orders due to frequent rocket fire from militants. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported these orders have impacted around 170,000 displaced individuals, shrinking the humanitarian area to about 41 square kilometers, or 11% of Gaza Strip's total area. The prolonged conflict has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million people.

Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations in Doha, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, paused on Friday but are set to resume next week. The discussions aim to halt the fighting between Israel and Hamas and secure the release of the remaining hostages. The conflict began on October 7, following an assault by Hamas on Israel, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages. Gaza health authorities report over 40,000 Palestinian deaths in Israel's subsequent military campaign, with Israel claiming a third are combatants. The Israeli military has also incurred significant casualties, losing 330 soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies.)