Kathmandu— At least six people were killed and fourteen injured when an Israeli strike hit a crowded cafe in the port area of Gaza City on Tuesday, which has been converted into a displacement camp, according to Palestinian reports. The attack occurred as efforts to secure an agreement to end ongoing hostilities continue to falter, with both Israel and Hamas maintaining firm positions that impede progress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly rejecting a US-backed plan for ending the conflict, while Hamas insists on an Israeli withdrawal before disarming.

Gaza City Strike Details

Officials at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City confirmed receiving multiple bodies following Tuesday’s attack. The strike targeted a cafe that has become a makeshift displacement camp in the city's port area, injuring fourteen others according to Palestinian sources. Footage circulating on social media depicts scenes of injured Palestinians lying on blood-stained ground as emergency responders attempt to provide aid.

Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations

The attack comes amid stalled negotiations for a ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu continues to reject the United States-backed plan, demanding that Hamas disarm before any Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. Hamas, however, maintains it will only consider disarmament after Israel withdraws its forces, which currently occupy approximately 60 percent of the enclave.

Conflicting Accounts and Allegations

The Israeli army claims to have targeted a gathering of Hamas commanders allegedly planning attacks, but has not yet provided supporting evidence. Following the strike, Hamas issued a statement denouncing it as “a blatant disregard for all calls for a ceasefire” from mediators and guarantor states. Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, noted that such attacks occur unpredictably with no prior warning.

Political Context and Upcoming Elections

The timing of the strike coincides with recent diplomatic efforts led by Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and envoy, which ultimately failed to yield progress. Netanyahu is facing upcoming elections in October and is widely expected to continue opposing the US peace plan until after the vote, potentially to avoid harming his electoral prospects as current opinion polls show his ruling coalition trailing.

Negotiations remain at a standstill with both sides unwilling to compromise on key demands, raising concerns about the continuation of hostilities.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.