Israeli military kills 15 in Gaza as Trump waits for Hamas response to ceasefire proposal

 

At least 15 displaced Palestinians were killed in an overnight Israeli airstrike west of Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The attack hit a tent encampment around 2 a.m., with local health officials confirming the death toll. Funeral prayers were held later that day. A grieving 13-year-old girl, Mayar Al Farr, who lost her brother in the strike, said a ceasefire should have come earlier to save lives.

The airstrike coincided with growing international attention as Donald Trump stated Hamas has 24 hours to respond to his “final” ceasefire proposal. Trump announced earlier in the week that Israel had accepted the terms for a 60-day ceasefire, during which both sides would negotiate a possible end to the war. Hamas has said it's studying the deal, but has not provided a clear response.

Despite the mounting pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained silent. While parts of his coalition support the ceasefire, others oppose any concessions unless Hamas is disarmed something the group continues to reject.

The war, triggered by Hamas' surprise attack in October 2023, has displaced most of Gaza’s 2 million people and caused extreme hardship. Over 57,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died since fighting began, according to Gaza health officials.

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As the ceasefire talks intensified, families of hostages held in Gaza organized an emotional protest outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv to coincide with America’s Independence Day. They set up a symbolic Shabbat dinner with 50 empty chairs, representing those still captive. Many held banners quoting Donald Trump’s social media post: “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”

Protesters urged Trump and Netanyahu to secure a deal immediately. Gideon Rosenberg, who wore a shirt with the image of one of his abducted employees from the Nova music festival, said, “Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal.”

Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old Itay Chen  a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen believed to have been killed in captivity called for a ceasefire that honors both the living and the dead. He urged Netanyahu to return from Washington with a deal that brings the hostages home.

Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack had killed 1,200 Israelis and led to 251 hostages being taken. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has targeted Hamas, which no longer fully controls Gaza. The humanitarian toll continues to rise, with critical shortages in food, medicine, and shelter.

While diplomatic efforts intensify, the outcome remains uncertain. For the families of the hostages and the millions affected in Gaza, the next 24 hours may decide whether a breakthrough or more devastation lies ahead.