Israeli forces intensified their operations in central and southern Gaza, clashing with Hamas fighters. On Thursday, Palestinian health officials reported at least 27 deaths from Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip. The escalation followed US President Joe Biden’s push for a truce and hostage release during his conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Recent strikes included one in Beit Lahiya that killed 11 people and another in Al-Maghazi camp that killed six, including a local journalist. Five additional Palestinians were killed and several wounded in an airstrike near a square in Khan Younis later in the day.
Al Arabiya