Israeli Airstrikes Persist in Gaza Amidst Ceasefire Negotiations

Continued Airstrikes and Casualties in Gaza

Israeli forces carried out sustained airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, October 5, 2025, leading to at least 24 Palestinian casualties. The bombardment occurred even as diplomatic efforts intensified to secure a ceasefire in the nearly two-year-long conflict. Reports from local health authorities indicated that among the casualties on Sunday, at least four individuals were killed while seeking aid. The continued strikes affected various areas, including Gaza City's Tuffah neighborhood and parts of central Gaza and Khan Younis.

The latest casualties contribute to a grim overall toll, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 67,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began in October 2023. Many victims are believed to remain trapped under rubble, inaccessible to rescue teams due to ongoing hostilities.

Ceasefire Negotiations Commence in Egypt

Indirect negotiations aimed at ending the conflict began in Egypt on Monday, October 6, 2025. Delegations from both Israel and Hamas converged for the high-stakes talks, which are centered around a US-backed peace plan. The Hamas delegation arrived in Egypt on Sunday, with Israeli officials expected to join on Monday. Mediators hope to hash out the details of the plan's first phase, which includes:

• A swift halt to fighting
• The release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas
• The exchange of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel
• A significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza

US President Donald Trump, who unveiled the 20-point peace plan last week, urged all parties to 'move fast' to finalize an agreement. He described the discussions as 'very successful and proceeding rapidly,' expressing optimism that the first phase could be completed within the week.

International Calls for De-escalation Amidst Ongoing Strikes

The continuation of Israeli airstrikes on Sunday came despite President Trump's explicit call on Friday for Israel to 'immediately stop the bombing of Gaza' to facilitate the safe release of hostages. Trump had stated that Israel had agreed to an 'initial withdrawal line' and that a ceasefire would be 'IMMEDIATELY effective' once Hamas confirmed its acceptance of the deal.

However, residents in Gaza reported no letup in air and artillery strikes, particularly in Gaza City. The Israeli military, while acknowledging a shift in operational posture and a halt to some offensive actions in Gaza City, maintained that it was primarily conducting 'defensive strikes' to protect its troops and eliminate 'terrorist cells' planning attacks.

Outlook on the Path to Peace

As negotiations unfold in Egypt, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing military actions complicating relief efforts. The commencement of talks offers a glimmer of hope for an end to the protracted conflict, though significant disagreements between the parties, particularly regarding the disarmament of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza, are expected to present challenges to a comprehensive resolution.