Israel Kills Dozens in Gaza as Trump Claims Ceasefire Deal May Be Near

At least 58 Palestinians were killed and dozens more wounded on Friday as Israeli air strikes pounded the Gaza Strip, according to local health officials. Rescue teams continued to search through the rubble in several areas, trying to reach those trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

The latest wave of attacks came amid growing speculation that a deal to end the nearly two-year war may be approaching. Speaking to reporters, US President Donald Trump said he believes a ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal is “close,” though he offered no details or timeline.

“We’re working on it,” Trump said. “I think we’re very near.”

On the ground, however, the situation remains dire. Strikes have intensified in central and southern Gaza, including around the so-called “Netzarim corridor,” where displaced Palestinians have gathered near distribution centres operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a US- and Israeli-backed initiative.

The rising death toll follows a week of heavy bombardment, and Palestinian officials say many of the victims are women and children. Aid agencies continue to warn of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe, with access to food, water, and medical care severely limited across the enclave.

While President Trump’s remarks have raised hopes of a breakthrough, previous talks have repeatedly collapsed over key sticking points, including the terms of a lasting ceasefire and the return of hostages held in Gaza.