**Escalating Violence: Dozens Killed in Gaza as Israeli Bombardments Rage On**

As tensions rise, a recent series of attacks has left at least 69 Palestinians dead, with calls for intervention growing louder amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

At least 69 individuals have reportedly lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, according to rescuers, as Israel escalates its bombardment campaign. Notably, one airstrike targeted a school that had been converted into a shelter for displaced families in Gaza City, claiming the lives of 15 people, as stated by the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. The Israeli military, however, defended the action, asserting they were targeting a significant Hamas operative present at the location.

Further reports indicated that an additional 38 lives were lost as victims were killed while waiting for humanitarian aid or traveling to pick it up. In response to the civilian casualties, Israeli forces dismissed the accounts as untruths, insisting they are operating under adherence to the principle of minimizing civilian harm.

The increase in violence comes at a time of heightened diplomatic pressure, particularly from US President Donald Trump, aimed at establishing a new ceasefire and facilitating the release of hostages held by Hamas. Trump disclosed on Tuesday that Israel had accepted "necessary conditions" for a proposed 60-day ceasefire, yet the path to a swift agreement remains unclear and fraught with potential obstacles.

Hamas is currently reviewing the specifics of ceasefire proposals, which have not been made public. The Palestinian militant group insists on a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set to travel to Washington next week, has insisted on the complete dismantling of Hamas’s operational capacity.

In the last 24 hours alone, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported conducting airstrikes on around 150 "terror targets," which included fighters, tunnels, and munitions. In contrast, Gaza's health ministry indicated a toll of 118 fatalities within the same timeframe.

Witnesses described innocent families caught in the conflict. One local, Wafaa al-Arqan, shared harrowing details of the devastation: “Suddenly, we found the tent collapsing over us and a fire burning... Is it fair that all these children burned?” Meanwhile, the IDF stated they targeted a Hamas command center without specifying the school location, reiterating accusations against Hamas of employing human shields, which the group denies.

Additional reports emerged of more casualties among displaced individuals seeking safety in southern Gaza after Israeli airstrikes hit a tent. Civil Defence spokesman Mahmoud Bassal noted the deadly incidents occurred in various areas while people were searching for aid.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, medics reported that at least 20 people had been killed as they approached an aid distribution center. The IDF has yet to address these growing numbers directly.

Addressing the situation, IDF spokesman Brig-Gen Effie Defrin acknowledged the complexities faced by Israeli forces, asserting that they are learning from each incident to prevent future casualties. However, he also dismissed extensive casualty reports as fabrications.

For weeks, reports of deadly incidents near aid distribution sites have persisted, contributing to a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israel-Gaza conflict has claimed at least 57,130 lives since the outbreak of hostilities following a Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October, which resulted in 1,200 Israeli fatalities and numerous hostages taken.

The situation continues to evolve, as global voices grow increasingly concerned over the humanitarian implications of the ongoing violence and the stalled negotiations for peace.