Israeli tanks and troops expand their ground assault in Gaza City, with dozens reported dead, including entire families in a destroyed building that sheltered displaced persons. The continuing bombardments come as negotiators struggle to find an agreement between the sides, and a host of nations announce or confirm their recognition of a separate Palestinian state.

By Linda Bordoni

Women and children were reportedly among the 20 people who died when an Israeli strike hit a building in Gaza City sheltering displaced families. Responders say many remain buried under the rubble.

Victims were also reported in an attack on the central town of Zawaida and in the southern city of Khan Younis.

More than 300,000 people have fled Israel’s current major ground operation in Gaza, which experts say is experiencing famine, but up to 700,000 are still there, many because they can’t afford to relocate.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israel’s war in the enclave has killed almost 65 and a half thousand people, with women and children making up around half the fatalities.

Recognition of Palestinian State

Meanwhile, international pressure for a ceasefire continues to grow. On the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, French President Emmanuel Macron told the media his country had decided to recognise a Palestinian state, believing it “is the only way to isolate Hamas,” which has proved itself able to regenerate even after many of its leaders have been killed.

The Israeli Prime Minister, who will address the UN General Assembly and then meet President Trump on Friday, said he won’t make any decisions until he returns from the U.S.

Netanyahu has denounced leaders who have recognised a Palestinian state. They include France, Andorra, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, and Monaco, following the UK, Canada, Australia and Portugal, which announced or confirmed their recognition of a Palestinian state in the hopes of galvanising support for a two-state solution to the Mideast conflict, a solution supported by the Holy See.

Trump 21-point plan

At separate events in New York this week, the U.S. lead negotiator, Steve Witkoff, offered optimistic views about what he called a “Trump 21-point plan for peace” that was presented to Arab leaders.

The U.S. has not released details of the plan or said whether Israel or Hamas accepts it.

(Source AP and other news agencies)