Israel kills scores in overnight central Gaza strikes despite 'pause'
US Democrats support Israel arms sale following pressure from Biden administration | Israel’s bombing of several areas in central Gaza has killed at least 17 people overnight, according to local media reports. The attacks include a strike on the al-Rai family’s home in Nuseirat, which killed at least eight people. ● Palestine’s Wafa news agency also reported Israeli strikes on Rafah, southern Gaza, despite the Israeli army's announced "pause" in fighting to facilitate the flow of aid. The intense bombing of central Gaza comes as a senior Israeli negotiator told AFP that tens of hostages held by Hamas are alive “with certainty”. ● The negotiator, who spoke to the agency on the condition of anonymity, said that Israel cannot end the war before ensuring the release of all hostages as he believes Hamas could “breach their commitment... and drag out the negotiations for 10 years”.
■ At least 17 Palestinians killed in night of Israeli bombardment in Nuseirat (Al Jazeera)