In a devastating turn of events, an Israeli airstrike claimed the lives of at least 18 members of the same family in Gaza.

The attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning, targeting a house and an adjacent warehouse in the town of Zawaida.

Among the deceased were young children, two wives, and 11 children aged between two and 22, along with their grandmother and three other relatives.

The strike also killed Sami Jawad al-Ejlah, a man known for coordinating supply efforts with the Israeli military to bring meat and fish into Gaza. "He was a peaceful man," said Abu Ahmed, a neighbor who was slightly wounded in the attack.

This tragic incident unfolded as mediators from various nations, including the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, continue to push for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

Talks are set to resume next week in Cairo, with hopes high for a resolution that could secure the release of Israeli hostages and end the conflict that has already claimed over 40,000 lives. US President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism about the ongoing negotiations. "As of an hour ago, we’re still in play. I’m optimistic. It’s still far from over.

Just a couple more issues, I think we’ve got a shot," he told reporters on Friday. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with basic sanitation and necessary supplies running low.

Aid and health workers fear a potential polio outbreak, as the virus has been detected in wastewater in six different locations in July.

The Israeli military, which rarely comments on individual strikes, stated that it is investigating the report.

Meanwhile, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could bring peace to the beleaguered region.