**Mediators Heighten Efforts for Gaza Ceasefire Amid Continuing Violence**

With the conflict escalating, humanitarian concerns mount as both sides wrestle with ongoing hostilities and the push for a ceasefire.

A senior Hamas official has confirmed to BBC News that mediation efforts for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza have escalated, despite persistent stalemate in negotiations with Israel. This statement emerged following U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that "great progress" was occurring in the aftermath of a recent 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which concluded with a ceasefire on Tuesday. According to Trump, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that an agreement between Israel and Hamas was "very close."

On Wednesday, the Hamas-run health ministry reported at least 45 Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes, including individuals seeking aid. Concurrently, the Israeli military announced the deaths of seven soldiers in a bomb attack attributed to Hamas. President Trump claimed that the violence has propelled advancements in talks regarding Gaza: "I think great progress is being made... We need to have some very good news," he commented from Brussels.

Despite these reassurances, the Hamas official stressed that mediators are engaged in intense discussions but have not received new proposals as of yet. An Israeli official echoed this sentiment, noting stagnation in negotiations amid unresolved major disagreements.

Efforts led by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt to facilitate a truce proposal collapsed in late May, when Witkoff characterized the amendments proposed by Hamas as “totally unacceptable.” Israel resumed military operations in Gaza in mid-March, ending a previous two-month cessation as it sought to exert pressure on Hamas regarding the release of hostages. They are believed to still be holding around 50 captives, with at least 20 confirmed alive.

In light of the humanitarian crisis, where aid delivery has been severely restricted due to the ongoing conflict, Israel enforced a complete blockade on humanitarian assistance at the onset of March. Following international pressure, Israel partially lifted the blockade after 11 weeks. However, a new aid distribution mechanism established in collaboration with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) now operates independently of the UN, drawing accusations of complicity with Israeli objectives from other humanitarian organizations.

The GHF has reportedly delivered over 44 million meals since its inception on May 26, but it has faced criticism from the UN and aid groups that refuse to partner with it. Reports indicate escalating violence around GHF distribution points, with Gaza's health ministry documenting over 549 fatalities among aid seekers since the GHF's operations began.

Recent statements from Gaza's Civil Defence agency reported the death of several individuals during a food distribution event, where Israeli gunfire was alleged. The Israeli military, however, claimed unawareness of such incidents. While some Gaza residents hold out hope for a ceasefire following the weakening of Hamas's key regional ally, Iran, others express fears that renewed military focus from Israel could worsen their situation.

In Israel, the fallout from the conflict has increased pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the deaths of seven soldiers, prompting calls for a ceasefire from members of his coalition. Netanyahu faces mounting questions regarding the purpose of continued military action amidst the rising civilian and military casualties on both sides.

The Israeli military's operations date back to an attack orchestrated by Hamas on October 7, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 hostages taken. Since then, the situation has escalated dramatically, with Gaza's health ministry reporting over 56,157 fatalities in the territory due to the ongoing violence.

Reporting by Alice Cuddy in Jerusalem highlights the urgent and dire circumstances as local populations brace for further developments.