DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli airstrikes and gunfire resulted in the deaths of at least 59 people across Gaza, according to health officials on Saturday. This escalation comes amid increasing international calls for a ceasefire and negotiations for the return of hostages, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains resolute in continuing military operations against Hamas.

Among the casualties were victims of two separate strikes in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Reports indicate that nine members of the same family were killed in one strike, followed by another strike that claimed 15 lives, including women and children. Additionally, five individuals died when a strike hit a tent housing displaced persons, as reported by Nasser Hospital.

The Israeli military stated it was unaware of any fatalities from gunfire in southern Gaza on Saturday and did not confirm the strikes in Nuseirat. Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiya, director of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, expressed concern over Israeli tanks approaching the hospital, which is currently treating 159 patients. "The bombardment has not stopped for a single moment," he said.

In a speech at the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Netanyahu asserted that Israel "must finish the job" against Hamas. His remarks were met with a mass walkout by delegates from various nations. Itzik Horn, whose son Eitan has been held hostage since the onset of the conflict, criticized Netanyahu's stance, stating, "You were like the last of the lepers. Netanyahu, we promise you that if you don’t bring a comprehensive agreement and end the war, you will forever be a leper."

International pressure on Israel is mounting, with several countries recently recognizing Palestinian statehood, a move Israel opposes. Countries are urging U.S. President Donald Trump to advocate for a ceasefire during his upcoming meeting with Netanyahu on Monday.

At a protest in Tel Aviv, Doron Steinbrecher, a former hostage, implored Trump to prioritize the release of remaining captives. "Families remain torn apart, their loved ones trapped in darkness," he said. Eli Cohen, at a protest in Jerusalem, echoed similar sentiments regarding his niece, stating, "We want her back home as if she were alive."

Trump indicated on Friday that the U.S. is nearing a deal to ease hostilities in Gaza, which he believes could facilitate the return of hostages and end the conflict. Despite this, Israel continues its ground operations in Gaza City, where experts warn of a worsening famine. Over 300,000 people have fled, but up to 700,000 remain, many unable to afford relocation.

Recent airstrikes have devastated neighborhoods, including a strike in Gaza City’s Tufah area that killed at least 11 people, predominantly women and children. Four additional fatalities occurred in the Shati refugee camp due to airstrikes, while six others were killed by Israeli gunfire while seeking aid.

Gaza's healthcare system is nearing collapse, with two clinics destroyed and two hospitals shut down due to damage. Many medical staff have fled, leaving only a few to care for critically ill patients. Doctors Without Borders announced it had to suspend operations in Gaza City due to safety concerns from nearby Israeli tanks.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, particularly in northern Gaza, where aid deliveries have been halted since September 12. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that Israel has increasingly denied requests to transfer supplies from southern to northern Gaza.

Amal al-Aas, a resident of western Gaza City, described the dire conditions, stating, "Food is scarce and expensive and water is not safe to drink." Displaced individuals fleeing Gaza City report that food remains unaffordable and often runs out at charity kitchens.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 65,900 deaths and more than 167,000 injuries, with women and children comprising about half of the fatalities. The ministry, which operates under Hamas, is considered by many independent experts and U.N. agencies to provide the most reliable casualty estimates. The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken.