Over 127 Reported Dead as Attacks Intensify; US and European Diplomats Seek Ceasefire and Hostage Deal

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza overnight resulted in the deaths of at least 127 people, with many casualties reported in Rafah, a southern city that has become a refuge for over a million people. As Israeli forces continue their offensive, concerns are mounting that the military’s focus may shift towards an escalation in Rafah, where civilians are already sheltering from the ongoing violence.

This comes as Israel’s internal political divisions deepen over the course of the war, which began after a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, leaving at least 1,200 Israelis dead and approximately 250 hostages taken.

In an effort to address the growing humanitarian crisis and prevent further violence, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit the region on Sunday. This will be his fifth trip to the Middle East since the conflict erupted. Blinken’s visit includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel, and the West Bank, where he aims to negotiate a deal that could secure the release of at least 136 remaining hostages in Gaza. He will also push for a ceasefire agreement to ease tensions in the region, particularly around the Red Sea area.

Meanwhile, French diplomat Stéphane Séjourné visited Egypt and expressed support for a ceasefire but emphasized the need for the Palestinian Authority to return to Gaza, aiming for a long-term solution to the conflict.