Wave of Israeli airstrikes kill at least 40 across Gaza, says civil defence agency

Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 40 people across Gaza, most of them women and children, as tensions continue between Israel and Hamas. The attacks targeted encampments for displaced Palestinians in areas like Khan Younis and Beit Lahiya. Israel claims to have struck Hamas "command and control" centers, while Hamas accuses Israel of attempting to starve Gaza's population by blocking humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, discussions on an Israeli truce proposal are nearly complete, with a response expected soon from Hamas, although divisions remain between the two sides. The conflict has resulted in over 51,000 deaths since October 2023, mostly civilians.