Bloodshed Continues in Gaza as Ceasefire Talks Stall

The Israeli military strike in Gaza has claimed 61 lives in 48 hours, escalating the ongoing conflict. Despite international mediation efforts, a ceasefire seems elusive. UN-led polio vaccination efforts resumed amid brief fighting pauses. Protests erupted in Israel after the killing of six hostages by Hamas.

The Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip have killed at least 61 people in the last 48 hours, medics reported on Saturday. Israeli forces continue to clash with Hamas-led militants in the region, nearly a year into the conflict. Diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli and foreign hostages held in Gaza have yet to succeed.

In airstrikes on two former schools housing displaced people in Gaza City and Jabalia, 12 people lost their lives, according to Palestinian medics. The Israeli military claimed the strikes targeted Hamas gunmen. Another five were killed in a house strike in Gaza City, totaling 28 deaths on Saturday.

The armed factions of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Fatah admitted to engaging Israeli troops with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs. Both sides blame each other for failing to reach a ceasefire, despite mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. CIA Director William Burns will present a new proposal soon, although prospects for breakthroughs are slim.

Tens of thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding Prime Minister Netanyahu and his administration secure a deal to release the remaining 101 hostages. The killing of six hostages last week fueled mass protests. They were shot by Hamas in a Gaza tunnel, according to Israeli authorities.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on both Israel and Hamas to make concessions to reach a ceasefire. On Saturday, Hamas official Hossam Badran stated the group had no new demands. UN and local health authorities are vaccinating 640,000 children in Gaza against polio amid the conflict, reaching over half of those needed in the first two phases.

(With inputs from agencies.)