20 Killed in Israeli Strikes on Gaza, According to Local Civil Defence

The civil defence authority in Gaza has reported that 20 people were killed during Israeli airstrikes on Saturday, according to the news agency AFP. Among those killed were five individuals at a school in Gaza City, spokesperson Mahmud Bassal stated. In addition, three people lost their lives at another school where civilians had sought shelter.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not issued a statement regarding these reported incidents.

The strikes occurred as Hamas announced its readiness to begin negotiations for a ceasefire. At the same time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday. President Trump has indicated that a ceasefire agreement may be close.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in repeated cycles of violence, with civilians frequently affected by military operations and airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. International efforts to broker a ceasefire have been ongoing.