Israeli offensive continues amid Gaza ceasefire talks

Israeli forces continued their offensive on the Gaza Strip on July 7th, despite a scheduled meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the same day, where a potential ceasefire is expected to be discussed, according to The New Arab and agencies. 

On July 7th, the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood was struck, with homes and healthcare facilities targeted, resulting in the deaths of at least 24 people. Additional airstrikes hit the al-Rimal clinic in central Gaza City and the al-Bureij refugee camp in the central part of the enclave.

Aid distribution sites have also come under attack, with at least two Palestinians killed and 20 others injured by Israeli gunfire north of Rafah.

Israel also launched strikes on several Houthi-linked targets in Yemen, including the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa, and Salif, as well as the Ras Qantib power plant.

This follows a previous strike on June 10th, where the Israeli military carried out a strike on Yemen’s Hodeida port, claiming it was in retaliation for Houthi attacks on Israel, according to France 24 with AFP. Maghrebi reported on June 10th that the Israeli navy targeted what it called “terror targets,” stating the port had been used to transfer weapons and could serve military purposes for the Houthis.

Furthermore, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in the United States ahead of his meeting with US President Donald Trump, The Times of Israel reported.

The two leaders are set to meet on July 7th at 6:30 p.m. local time behind closed doors, without media in attendance. Trump has expressed optimism about the possibility of reaching a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in the coming days.

This would mark Netanyahu’s third meeting with Trump since the US leader returned to office during January, according to Maghrebi on July 2nd. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that ending the war in Gaza has been a top priority since day one, calling the conflict “heartbreaking” for both Israelis and Palestinians, as reported by Al-Monitor via AFP on June 30th.

Netanyahu is also expected to hold meetings with key U.S. officials, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The New Arab and agencies, France 24, AFP, Maghrebi.org, Al-Monitor, The Times of Israel