Israel Intensifies Gaza Bombardment as White House Hosts Ceasefire Talks

Gaza/Washington – June 24, 2025: Israeli forces have significantly intensified aerial and ground bombardment across the Gaza Strip, just as senior officials from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar prepare to meet in Washington for crucial talks aimed at brokering a ceasefire in the nearly nine-month-long Israel-Gaza conflict.

As diplomatic efforts gather momentum, Gaza’s civilian toll continues to rise, with fresh reports of strikes on central and southern areas, including the cities of Rafah, Khan Younis, and parts of Gaza City.

Ground Realities in Gaza

According to Palestinian health officials:

Dozens of civilians were killed or injured in overnight raids
Residential buildings and refugee camps were among the targets
Critical infrastructure, including healthcare and water facilities, remain largely destroyed or inaccessible

“The humanitarian situation is beyond catastrophic,” said a spokesperson for the Gaza Health Ministry. “Hospitals are barely functioning, and aid supplies are not reaching those in need.”

More than 38,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began, according to Gaza health authorities, most of them women and children.

Ceasefire Talks in Washington

As the crisis escalates, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is hosting counterparts from Egypt and Qatar—the two key mediators with Hamas. The talks aim to restart negotiations around a multi-phase deal that would include:

A temporary ceasefire
Hostage releases from both sides
Gradual Israeli troop withdrawals from densely populated areas
Increased humanitarian access

U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration has been under pressure from both domestic and international allies to secure a truce as civilian casualties mount and regional tensions flare.

Hamas and Israeli Positions Remain Far Apart

While Hamas has expressed conditional openness to a permanent ceasefire, Israel continues to demand the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, and security guarantees before scaling down military operations.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing domestic political pressure from far-right coalition members, has maintained a hardline stance, insisting that the war must end in “total victory over Hamas.”

International Condemnation and Humanitarian Outcry

Global humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA, WHO, and the Red Cross, have condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and unhindered aid access.

“This is no longer a war zone—it’s a graveyard for children,” said a UN official on condition of anonymity.

Efforts to deliver food, medicine, and fuel remain heavily restricted, particularly after Israeli operations in Rafah—a former safe zone for displaced Palestinians.