On December 15, 2024, reports from paramedics and residents indicated that Israeli forces killed at least 20 Palestinians, primarily in northern Gaza, through airstrikes and other attacks on various targets including a school housing displaced persons. At least 11 fatalities occurred in three separate airstrikes on homes in Gaza City, while others were killed in Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and the Jabalia refugee camp. Several homes were reported destroyed or set ablaze in these towns, as Israeli military operations have been ongoing in the region for over two months.
In Beit Hanoun, Israeli forces surrounded families seeking refuge in the Khalil Awida School, subsequently storming the building and ordering the displaced individuals to move toward Gaza City. Paramedics reported casualties during the incursion, with many men detained by the military. The exact number of casualties from this incident remains unclear. The Israeli army had not issued a statement at the time of this report.
The Palestinian Information Center reported that 15 Palestinians were killed during the Israeli military's storming of the school in northern Gaza, confirming injuries sustained during the army's operation. It was noted that the military detained men in the school and forced women and children to evacuate.
The Palestinian news agency WAFA confirmed the siege of Khalil Awida School, stating that there was direct targeting of the displaced individuals by gunfire and shelling, which led to the deaths of 15 people and injuries to others. Reportedly, the forces compelled the evacuees, including children and women, to head towards a military checkpoint on Salah al-Din Street, where many men were arrested.
Additionally, Mahmoud Bissal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, announced that 18 Palestinians died during numerous airstrikes conducted by the Israeli Air Force on the night of December 14-15 across various regions of the Gaza Strip.
In a separate development, thousands protested in several cities in Israel on December 14, 2024, demanding the government ensure the release of hostages held in Gaza after more than a year of conflict with Hamas. Actor Lior Ashkenazi addressed a crowd in Tel Aviv, stating, "We all agree that we have failed so far and that we can reach an agreement now." Itzik Horn, whose children Eitan and Ya'ir are still held hostage, urged for an end to the war, saying, "It is time to act and bring everyone home."
Amidst these tensions, indications of a potential resumption of negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release agreement have emerged. A Qatari mediator recently noted a return of "momentum" to the talks. On December 14, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a visit to Jordan, remarked that Hamas appeared to have softened its stance. He stated, "It is time now to finalize this agreement," referring to a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
In Egypt, which is also involved in mediation efforts, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and White House Coordinator for Middle East and North Africa Brett McGurk to discuss ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The Egyptian presidency indicated that the meeting reviewed the efforts of both parties to reach a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange agreement.