In a devastating escalation of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, an Israeli airstrike targeted a house in a central Gaza refugee camp, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, mostly women and children. The strike took place on Sunday as fighting continued across northern Gaza, with no clear end in sight.

According to reports from the Associated Press, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the nearby town of Deir al-Balah confirmed the deaths, while the Civil Defense suggested that the death toll could be even higher. The hospital records indicated that among the victims were 10 women and seven children. In addition to the strike on the house, a separate bombing in Nuseirat street claimed the lives of five more individuals.

The timing of the airstrike coincided with the visit of a United States envoy to the region. U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan had scheduled meetings with top Israeli leaders on Sunday to discuss a proposed U.S. plan for Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel and help the Palestinian Authority govern Gaza in exchange for a path to eventual statehood. These discussions of postwar planning have gained increased importance as the war continues to rage on.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has faced criticism from his own War Cabinet, rejected proposals that included an international administration for postwar Gaza and reiterated his stance against Palestinian statehood. His political rival, Benny Gantz, threatened to leave the government if a plan is not formulated by June 8, which includes international administration for postwar Gaza. Although such a move would not bring down Netanyahu's coalition government, it would leave him more dependent on far-right allies who support the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza and the rebuilding of Jewish settlements.

Meanwhile, Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has regrouped in parts of northern Gaza that were heavily bombed earlier in the conflict. They have also faced heavy airstrikes and fighting from Israeli forces. Amidst the turmoil, a UN report from the World Food Program warned that a famine is underway in northern Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli isolation.

The conflict has resulted in immense civilian casualties, with the Civil Defense reporting that at least 150 bodies, mostly women and children, have been recovered since Israel's recent operation in Jabaliya. Additionally, around 300 homes have been completely destroyed, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation.

Israel maintains that it tries to minimize civilian harm and places blame on Hamas for positioning fighters and weapons in densely populated areas. Netanyahu's critics have accused him of prolonging the war and rejecting ceasefire deals in order to avoid accountability for the security failures that led to the conflict.

As tensions continue to mount, pressure from the United States, Israel's closest ally, is also growing. President Joe Biden's administration has expressed frustration with Israel's conduct of the war and is holding up a shipment of offensive weapons due to concerns of a humanitarian catastrophe. However, the administration has indicated that it will proceed with the sale of $1 billion worth of arms following Israel's limited operation in Rafah.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan is expected to meet with Israeli leaders to discuss an ambitious plan that involves Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel and assisting in the administration and reconstruction of Gaza. However, Netanyahu has consistently rejected any credible path to eventual Palestinian statehood, which is a prerequisite for the proposed deal.

The conflict shows no signs of abating, and the tragic airstrike in the central Gaza refugee camp is another grim reminder of the ongoing violence and suffering endured by civilians on both sides.