An Israeli airstrike near an aid distribution center operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Rafah has killed at least 39 Palestinians and injured over 220, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA and Hamas-linked media reports on Sunday.
Israel has not immediately responded to the reports. The GHF, which has recently started working in Gaza with some Israeli support, has faced criticism from some Palestinians over concerns about its neutrality and the biometric screening methods Israel plans to use. Israeli officials argue these measures are necessary to prevent aid reaching Hamas-affiliated individuals.
Breakdown in ceasefire negotiations
Hamas recently submitted a counterproposal to the United States for a ceasefire in Gaza, requesting a 60-day truce, phased release of hostages, and the start of talks for a permanent ceasefire. However, the US quickly dismissed the offer as “totally unacceptable.”
Documents obtained by Al Jazeera reveal Hamas’s proposal includes releasing 10 living Israeli captives in three stages and returning the bodies of 18 others, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The plan also calls for unconditional humanitarian aid through the UN and affiliated organizations and a guarantee from the Trump administration to support final settlement talks.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff criticized Hamas’s counteroffer, warning it would “take us backward,” and urged acceptance of Washington’s existing framework to secure a 60-day ceasefire that could bring many hostages home.
A senior Hamas official described the offer as a “positive response” aimed at securing a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a binding ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, accusing Hamas of “rejectionism.”
Ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis
Since the ceasefire collapsed on March 18, Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 3,785 deaths in the territory, contributing to a total death toll of over 53,900 people—mostly civilians—according to AFP.
The conflict has displaced roughly 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents, triggered a severe hunger crisis, and caused widespread devastation. Since October 2023, the Israeli military offensive has reportedly killed at least 61,000 Palestinians, with women and children constituting the majority, per Al Jazeera.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its military actions in the enclave.
