A deadly Israeli attack struck a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City on Friday, killing at least six Palestinians attending a wedding, just as international mediators held talks in the United States to advance the next phase of the fragile Gaza ceasefire. The assault underscores the continuing volatility in the region and the challenges facing efforts to enforce the October truce.

Deadly Attack on Displaced Palestinians

Local sources reported that Israeli tank shells struck the second floor of the Tuffah neighborhood shelter, where displaced families had gathered for a wedding celebration. Several others were wounded in the attack.

The strike is part of a pattern of reported Israeli ceasefire violations since the US-brokered agreement came into force on October 10, according to the Gaza Government Media Office.

The bombing also coincided with US-led ceasefire negotiations in Miami, Florida, attended by representatives from Qatar, Turkiye, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the talks aimed to implement the next phase of the Gaza agreement, with the establishment of a Palestinian technocratic committee, an international “Board of Peace,” and a security force for Gaza.

US Diplomatic Efforts

Rubio emphasized the urgency of completing phase one of the truce to enable long-term reconstruction and humanitarian support. “No one is arguing that the status quo is sustainable in the long term,” he said, noting that once the initial steps are implemented, there would be greater donor confidence for phases two and three of Gaza’s rebuilding plan.

The Miami talks reportedly included Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, alongside US officials, including special envoy Steve Witkoff.

Israel’s Position and Security Plans

Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a high-level security meeting to evaluate the second phase of the ceasefire. Officials acknowledged the potential for a renewed military campaign to disarm Hamas if US engagement faltered, though such a move is considered unlikely given US pressure to maintain calm in the enclave.

Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli military operations continue across Gaza, including airstrikes, artillery shelling, and gunfire in areas such as eastern Khan Younis, Bani Suheila, Deir el-Balah, and Shujayea in Gaza City. Reports indicate at least three Palestinians, including a woman, were killed by artillery fire in Khan Younis, and Israeli naval forces targeted fishing boats off the Gaza coast.

Israel has also blocked the free flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in a territory already devastated by years of conflict.

Hamas Demands Enforcement of Ceasefire

Hamas officials emphasized that the Miami talks must address Israeli violations of the truce. Basem Naim, a member of the Hamas political bureau, called for an end to Israeli lawlessness, the reopening of the Rafah crossing, and measures to allow Palestinians to govern themselves sustainably.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed warned that repeated ceasefire breaches threaten the entire agreement. He urged mediators and international partners to accelerate progress toward Gaza’s reconstruction and political stabilization.