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Gaza Sees Heavy Bombardment as Ceasefire Talks Intensify
As Trump pushes new Gaza ceasefire, northern Gaza suffers worst bombing in weeks. 38 killed in one day; Netanyahu under mounting pressure at home.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-30
Gaza Sees Heavy Bombardment as Ceasefire Talks Intensify

Northern Gaza endured one of the most intense nights of Israeli bombardment in weeks on Monday, just as U.S. President Donald Trump renewed his push for a ceasefire and the return of hostages, sending Israeli officials to Washington for high-level talks.

Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, Israeli tanks rolled into Gaza City's Zeitoun suburb, airstrikes hit four schools, and over 38 Palestinians were killed, including 10 in Zeitoun and 13 southwest of Gaza City, according to local health authorities.

“Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, 60, a Gaza resident. “In the news, we hear a ceasefire is near, on the ground, we see death.”

Evacuations and Escalation

Following new evacuation orders by the Israeli military, hundreds of families were forced to flee. The army claimed it targeted Hamas command centers while taking steps to minimize civilian harm.

The attacks come amid efforts by Qatar and Egypt, supported by the United States, to broker a 60-day ceasefire involving the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that Israel agreed to the U.S.-proposed deal, placing the responsibility on Hamas, which has demanded a full withdrawal and a permanent end to the war.

Trump’s Diplomatic Push

President Trump, who recently celebrated a joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran’s nuclear facilities, called for a resolution in Gaza, urging both sides to “make the deal and get the hostages back.” His aide, Ron Dermer, arrived in Washington for discussions on Iran, Gaza, and possible regional peace agreements.

Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing pressure to end the war. Although his popularity saw a brief bump after the Iran operation, recent polls show 52% of Israelis want him out, with nearly two-thirds favoring a Gaza ceasefire.

“Netanyahu made brave decisions on Iran. Now make the brave decision to end the war in Gaza and bring the hostages home,” said Liri Albag, a released hostage, speaking at a ceasefire rally in Tel Aviv.

Mounting Criticism at Home

Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett and prominent activist Gil Dickman have called on Netanyahu to resign, blaming him for failing to end the war and mishandling the October 7 Hamas attack, which triggered the current conflict.

Since that attack, where 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken hostage, Israel’s retaliation has left over 56,000 Palestinians dead, with more than 80% of Gaza under evacuation orders or military control.

With diplomatic momentum building and pressure intensifying, the next few days could prove decisive in ending the 20-month-long war — or seeing it deepen even further.

 
Tagged:

GazaCeasefire

IsraelHamasWar

TrumpMiddleEast

NetanyahuUnderPressure
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