70 killed in Israeli air strike at Al-Maghazi refugee camp

New Delhi, Dec 25: The Gaza health ministry reported that an Israeli air strike has resulted in the loss of at least 70 lives in the heart of the strip at the Al-Maghazi refugee camp.

The spokesman for the Ministry expressed concerns that the death toll might escalate given the high number of families residing in the area.

The airstrike occurred late on Sunday, targeting three houses in a densely populated residential block, according to the health ministry. Disturbing footage from the scene showed injured individuals, including children with blood-covered faces, being urgently transported to the nearby Al-Aqsa Hospital.

As the international community grapples with the escalating crisis, reports from Israeli and Arab media suggest that Egypt, sharing a border with the Gaza Strip, has put forth a new proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledging on Sunday that the war has exacted a "very heavy price" on his country.

The Israeli military has confirmed that more than a dozen soldiers lost their lives in Gaza since Friday, contributing to a total of 156 casualties since the ground offensive launched on October 7.

Despite Saturday marking one of the deadliest days, Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted there was "no choice" but to continue the fight. The toll on Palestinian lives has been staggering, with over 20,400 reported deaths in Israeli attacks since October 7, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic efforts to halt the escalating violence.