Intensified Bombardment
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 60 Palestinians across Gaza on June 30, marking one of the deadliest days in recent weeks. Attacks targeted schools, homes, and a beachfront café in Gaza City, where 22 civilians including women, children, and a journalist perished. The Palestinian Journalist Syndicate confirmed over 220 journalists have been killed since the war began. Israel stated it hit "militant command centers" but offered no comment on specific civilian casualties.
Forced Displacement Escalates
The Israeli military issued sweeping evacuation orders across northern Gaza, including Gaza City’s Zeitoun district and Jabaliya refugee camp, forcing thousands to flee toward Khan Younis. Residents described "earthquakes" of explosions as tanks advanced and aircraft bombed schools housing displaced families. Salah, a 60-year-old father, lamented: "In news we hear ceasefire is near; on ground we see death." Witnesses reported families loading children onto donkey carts amid artillery fire.
US President Donald Trump’s call to "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!" coincided with Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s departure for Washington. Dermer will discuss a US-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal and Netanyahu’s upcoming White House visit. While Israel accepted the framework, Hamas insists any deal requires full Israeli withdrawal and war cessation, a condition Netanyahu rejects.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned Gaza’s crisis has reached "horrific proportions," with families confined to "less than one-fifth of Gaza’s land" under relentless bombs. Over 56,500 Palestinians have died, 80% of Gaza is militarized or under evacuation orders, and famine looms as cropland damage exceeds 80%. Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger condemned the "unbearable" suffering, noting it strains Israel-Europe relations.