Escalation in Gaza: Major Strikes, Casualties, And Ceasefire Talks

At least 17 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in an Israeli strike in central Gaza. The violence comes as Israel issues new evacuation orders and the U.S. pushes for a ceasefire. Gaza officials report heavy casualties, while Israel claims it targeted militant sites. Ceasefire negotiations continue amid ongoing conflict.

An Israeli strike in central Gaza killed at least 17 Palestinians and injured dozens on Saturday, according to health officials. The violence coincides with new evacuation orders from Israel, citing nearby Hamas rocket fire.

The attacks occurred ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's expected visit to Israel on Sunday, during ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages.

Health authorities stated that the majority of the casualties in Zawayda were family members, including eight children and four women. Neighbor Abu Ahmed Hassan stated that three missiles hit the house when the victims were asleep, adding that the area had no military activity.

The Israeli military claims it targeted militants in response to rocket attacks. New evacuation instructions were issued in parts of central Gaza using Arabic-language posts on the platform X. However, Reuters could not confirm whether evacuation orders applied to Zawayda specifically.

On Friday, the military expanded evacuation orders to areas in the southern city of Khan Younis, which is part of a designated humanitarian zone, impacting about 170,000 displaced individuals, according to the U.N.

In central Gaza, Israeli tanks advanced into new areas in Deir Al-Balah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are sheltering. The military reported killing dozens of militants since Friday.

The U.S. and other mediators are expected to resume ceasefire talks in Doha next week as both sides report further casualties. U.S. President Joe Biden indicated progress is being made, but warned negotiations are not finalized. Israel expressed cautious optimism but noted new conditions from Hamas have complicated the discussions.

The ongoing conflict was sparked by an Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people and led to Israeli airstrikes that have killed over 40,000 Palestinians. Israel reported 331 soldiers killed, with significant civilian casualties on both sides. (Additional reporting by multiple correspondents; Writing by Enas Alashray, Maayan Lubell and David Brunnstrom; Editing by senior editors)

(With inputs from agencies.)