Israel is bracing for potential retaliatory attacks following an airstrike Saturday on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza that resulted in the death of at least 80 Palestinians and left nearly 50 others wounded.
The Israeli military has admitted to the strike, claiming the school was a Hamas command center, a statement that Hamas denies. The school, like many others in Gaza, was being used to accommodate Palestinians who had been displaced due to the ongoing conflict.
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The attack is increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a cease-fire agreement with Hamas. Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have issued a joint statement urging both parties to narrow their differences and finalize a deal.
The current proposal is based on a plan that was proposed by the Biden administration in May. The agreement would involve a six-week cease-fire in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, followed by negotiations on the potential release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
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Reports indicate that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is in favor of a cease-fire deal. However, Netanyahu’s stance on the proposal remains uncertain.
The Israeli prime minister is under pressure from the public and the families of hostages to reach an agreement and halt the violence. Nevertheless, Netanyahu is also facing resistance from right-wing factions within his coalition, particularly National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who deems the cease-fire proposal a grave error.
