Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 30 Palestinians at a post office in Gaza, along with 13 others near aid trucks, as the U.S. intensifies efforts for a cease-fire agreement.

On a recent visit to Israel, White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan mentioned that both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas − the group responsible for the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel which led to approximately 200 hostages being taken − indicated some willingness to reach a deal.

“It may not come to fruition, but there is potential for it to happen with the right political motivation from both sides,” he stated at a news conference held in Tel Aviv on Thursday.

‘Despair over cease-fire prospects’

Despite calls for a cease-fire, Israeli airstrikes did not diminish. On the same day, airstrikes near trucks that were transport humanitarian aid in Rafah, southern Gaza, resulted in the deaths of 13 people, who local medical sources reported were guarding the vehicles.

Israeli officials claimed that those who were killed were militants from Hamas attempting to steal the aid.

Later that day, a strike on a post office located in Nuseirat, a camp for displaced individuals in central Gaza, left at least 30 dead and injured around 50 more. Israel stated it was targeting an Islamic Jihad leader during that strike.

Witness Abu Ayman Al-Shaer recounted that he dashed to the scene after hearing explosions followed by cries for help. In total darkness, people used flashlight from their phones in search of survivors, but after more than 12 hours trapped under debris, he expressed doubt regarding their chances of survival.

“Nuseirat camp is facing quiet destruction,” he remarked. “Each day brings new crimes, with no end to the assaults.”

Other residents of Nuseirat shared their despair, stating they have lost all hope that any cease-fire could halt the relentless bombings.

“Every time there’s a discussion on a cease-fire, and every time there’s a glimmer of hope, a new massacre occurs,” stated Alaa al-Bayoumi. “Hope for a cease-fire has faded.”

As the humanitarian situation deteriorates in Gaza, reports of armed groups hijacking aid trucks have become increasingly common.

Hamas has initiated a task force to counter this issue, claiming to have eliminated around two dozen gang members in recent times. Since the conflict began, Israeli attacks have also resulted in the deaths of approximately 700 people tasked with ensuring the safety of the aid trucks, as reported by local authorities.

Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, following a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel that resulted in 1,200 fatalities and over 200 taken hostage, numerous U.S.-backed cease-fire talks involving regional mediators like Egypt and the UAE have not succeeded. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the ongoing war, and approximately 2.3 million people, nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, have been displaced from their homes.

Contributing: Reuters