Israeli forces have advanced further into central and southern Gaza Strip regions as they engage with Hamas fighters, resulting in at least 27 Palestinian deaths from Israeli strikes, according to health officials. The latest escalation follows a call from US President Joe Biden urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expedite a truce agreement and prisoner release.
US and Israeli delegations have resumed discussions in Cairo on a ceasefire, aiming to resolve longstanding issues between Israel and Hamas. Despite ongoing negotiations, both sides remain entrenched in their demands.
In northern Gaza, a strike on a house in Beit Lahiya resulted in 11 fatalities, including children and women, with some victims burned. Another strike in Al-Maghazi camp killed six people, including a journalist, while additional strikes in the south claimed five lives. An airstrike later in Khan Younis killed five Palestinians and injured several others.
The Israeli military reported increased operations in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis, claiming the killing of 50 fighters in Rafah. Hamas’s armed wing responded with an ambush in Rafah, causing casualties among Israeli forces.
The situation in Deir Al-Balah has led to significant displacement, with residents fleeing advancing tanks and heavy fire. The US and Egyptian-led meetings in Cairo seek to address security and withdrawal issues, with further discussions involving Qatari officials scheduled for Friday.
