Israeli strikes kill several children as Gaza truce negotiations intensify
8,535 Palestinians arrested in West Bank since October 7
■ US Secretary of State Blinken, on a visit to Tel Aviv, says there should be “no delays, no excuses” in reaching a ceasefire deal, claiming the only reason it may not happen “is because of Hamas”.
■ At least two children have been killed in an overnight Israeli attack on a house in Rafah, while more reportedly died in an air strike on a residential building in central Gaza City.
Israeli forces have detained 20 Palestinians, including one minor, throughout the occupied West Bank in the last 24 hours, according to the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society. This brings the total number of Palestinians arrested in the West Bank since the Gaza war broke out on October 7 to 8,535. The latest arrests took place in Hebron, Qalqilya, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Tubas, Nablus, Jericho, and Jerusalem governorates, said the Prisoners Society, where Israeli forces also harassed, threatened, and assaulted detainees and their relatives.
■ Gaza live: UN aid chief warns Rafah assault will cause 'tragedy beyond words' (MEE)
■ Israeli forces demolish home, water well near Hebron (Al Jazeera)
■ Professor remains hospitalized after being beaten by police during pro-Palestinian protest at US campus (Anadolu)