Deir Al-Balah (Gaza Strip): Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 57 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, health officials said, as Hamas continued internal deliberations over US President Donald Trump’s proposal to end the nearly two-year-long war.

The American plan, accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, requires Hamas to hand over all 48 remaining hostages — about 20 of whom Israel believes are still alive — disarm, and relinquish power. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be freed, fighting would cease, and humanitarian and reconstruction aid would flow into Gaza. However, the proposal makes no provision for Palestinian statehood, a long-standing demand.

A Hamas official told The Associated Press that “some elements were unacceptable,” without giving details. The group’s formal response is expected only after consultations with other Palestinian factions. Qatar and Egypt, both mediators, have said further negotiations are needed.

Heavy toll across Gaza

Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza reported receiving the bodies of 29 people, including 14 killed in a corridor where shootings have frequently occurred during aid distribution. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah said it received 16 bodies from strikes.

Doctors Without Borders confirmed one of its staff, occupational therapist Omar Hayek, 42, was killed while waiting for a bus in Deir al-Balah. Four others were seriously wounded. The international medical charity described Hayek as a “quiet man of profound kindness and professionalism,” adding that he was the 14th staffer killed in Gaza since the war began.

Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported five deaths but said staff were struggling to reach the facility amid Israel’s offensive to seize control of the city. Other hospitals recorded at least seven more deaths from Israeli fire.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment but has repeatedly said it targets only militants and accuses Hamas of endangering civilians by operating from densely populated areas.

Aid flotilla intercepted

Meanwhile, Israel intercepted more than 40 vessels in an activist-led flotilla carrying symbolic amounts of humanitarian aid and attempting to break the 18-year blockade of Gaza. Organisers said Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg and several European lawmakers were among those on board.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry said all activists were safe and being taken to Israel to begin “procedures” for deportation.

Violence in West Bank

In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces killed one Palestinian militant and arrested another following a car-ramming and shooting attack on an army checkpoint. The military said no soldiers were injured.

The conflict began with the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. Most hostages have since been freed in earlier ceasefire agreements.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 66,200 Palestinians have been killed and nearly 170,000 wounded in Israel’s campaign. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, does not separate combatants from civilians but says women and children account for about half of the dead. UN agencies and independent experts consider the figures credible.