Benjamin Netanyahu Seeks Progress on Hostage Situation as Gaza Families Grieve

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“Of course, we will also have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals,” he said.

Following the war between Israel and Iran that ended with a ceasefire on 24 June, domestic and diplomatic pressure has risen on Netanyahu to also secure a halt to the fighting in Gaza.

Posting on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump weighed in, writing: “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!”

The US president had said on Friday that he was hoping for a new ceasefire there “within the next week”.

Israeli strikes kill more than 30 people in Gaza

Devastating bombardments continued in Gaza on Sunday, witnesses and rescuers said.

Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said that the day’s toll had risen to 34 people killed in various locations around the Gaza Strip, including at least four children.

The Israeli military said it was not able to comment on the reported strikes but said it was fighting “to dismantle Hamas military capabilities”.

Bassal said two children were killed in an air strike on their home in Gaza City’s Zeitun district in the early morning.

Palestinians carrying children injured in Israeli strike on Gaza on 29 June 2025

Palestinians carry wounded children to al-Ahli Baptist Hospital following Israeli attack on the Sabra neighbourhood in southern Gaza Strip. Source: Getty / Dawoud Abo Alkas

A family member, Abdel Rahman Azzam, 45, told Agence France-Presse he was at home when he “heard a huge explosion at my relative’s house”.

“I rushed out in panic and saw the house destroyed and on fire,” he added.

“We evacuated more than 20 injured people, including two martyrs — two children from the family. The screams of children and women were non-stop,” Azzam said.

“They bombed the house with a missile without any prior warning. This is a horrific crime. We sleep without knowing if we will wake up.”

Elsewhere, Bassal said a drone strike on a tent camp housing displaced people near the southern city of Khan Younis killed five people, including two children.