Israel intensifies bombing of Gaza as ceasefire deal nears

Gaza city residents stay off the streets after dozens of civilians killed in 24 hours

Women search the remains of a house bombed by the Israeli military in Deir Al Balah, central Gaza, on Wednesday. Reuters

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Israel has increased its air strikes on Gaza as ceasefire negotiations move forward and residents remain on high alert, fearing they could become targets in the final hours before bombing stops.

The health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said on Wednesday that 62 people had been killed in the past 24 hours. The streets of Gaza city are largely deserted as people await news of an agreement.

Nahid Al Shoubaki, 41, who lives in the Al Daraj neighbourhood, described Palestinians' sense of anticipation. “With every report about a potential truce, the bombing and death tolls increase. But this time feels different – the news is stronger and more persistent than ever,” he told The National. “Everyone says we are closer than ever to signing a ceasefire.”

With constant Israeli bombardment, Mr Al Shoubaki has decided to stay indoors, limiting his movements to protect himself and his family. “It’s a tragedy to endure this war and then risk dying or being disabled in its final moments,” he said. “That’s why I’m staying home and only leaving for essential needs. I avoid markets because they’ve been heavily targeted recently.”

Since reports of a truce began circulating, Israel has escalated its bombing, pushing up the number of deaths and injuries and destroying more homes. Most of the attacks on Gaza city have focused on gatherings of civilians, on shops and markets, Gazans say.

“This caution isn’t just for me; it’s for my children, too. I’ve forbidden them from leaving the house,” said Mr Al Shoubaki, who has six children. “I’ve also warned every loved one around me to take the same precautions and not risk becoming victims in these final hours.”

Ibrahim Al Basyouni, 36, a shop owner on Al Nafaq Street said its once-bustling market has become nearly deserted in recent days.

“Everyone came here for the goods, the people, the life. But now, movement has dropped significantly. Many shops haven’t opened, and people are scared,” Mr Al Basyouni, told The National. “The attacks have intensified, and they’re clearly targeting civilians, markets and gatherings in order to inflict maximum harm.

“Being in the market at a time like this feels like a huge risk because Israeli attacks have increased alongside the news of the truce.”

On Monday, a missile struck near Mr Al Basyouni's shop, killing and injuring more than 10 people. “People are terrified. Everyone wants to protect themselves in these final moments because Israel shows no mercy. They will keep killing until the very end.”

On Tuesday, sources told The National that negotiations to reach a deal have entered “advanced stages”. They said US-led mediators and Israeli and Hamas negotiators were studying a complex draft deal to pause the Gaza war and enable the release of hostages, a day after US President Joe Biden declared that an agreement was “on the brink” of being finalised.