At least 60 Palestinians were killed Monday in one of the heaviest bombardments of Gaza in weeks, just as Israeli officials traveled to Washington for talks on a U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close aide to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to meet with Trump administration officials on both Gaza and Iran.

While the Biden administration previously sought de-escalation, current President Trump has revived direct diplomacy, stating: “Make the deal in Gaza, get the hostages back.”

Gaza Residents Flee as Tanks, Jets Hit Civilian Areas

The Israeli military pushed deep into the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, deploying tanks and shelling northern districts. Warplanes struck multiple targets, including four schools where families had taken shelter. Among the dead were women, children, and a local journalist killed in a beachfront café strike.

“Explosions never stopped; they bombed schools and homes. It felt like earthquakes,” said Salah, a 60-year-old father from Gaza City. A displaced woman, Amani Swalha, lamented, “It is our right to live, and to live with dignity, not like this in humiliation.”

Despite reports of a looming truce, evacuation orders forced fresh displacement in areas already devastated by earlier operations.

U.S. Plan Hinges on Hostage-Prisoner Exchange

The proposed U.S. ceasefire plan includes a 60-day halt in fighting, release of half the hostages held by Hamas, and return of Palestinian prisoners. But Hamas officials said talks cannot proceed unless Israel agrees to end the war and fully withdraw from Gaza—conditions Israel firmly rejects.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel supports the U.S. plan but stressed that Hamas must disarm. Meanwhile, European officials voiced concern over Israel’s conduct. Austrian FM Beate Meinl-Reisinger, visiting Jerusalem, called the humanitarian toll “unbearable” and warned of fraying EU-Israel ties.

War’s Toll: Tens of Thousands Dead, Entire Population Displaced

The conflict, now entering its ninth month, began when Hamas fighters stormed Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military campaign has since killed more than 56,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and displaced nearly the entire 2.3 million population of Gaza.

The United Nations says over 80% of Gaza is now either under military control or under evacuation orders, pushing the enclave to the brink of total collapse.