Escalation in Gaza: 22 Dead Amid Ceasefire Talks

Israeli forces have intensified their operations in Gaza, leading to the deaths of at least 22 people, according to Palestinian health officials. Amid heightened conflict, US President Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for a truce. The ongoing conflict has seen repeated ceasefire talks stall as both sides maintain firm demands.

Israeli forces have pressed deeper into the central and southern Gaza Strip, battling Hamas fighters as Palestinian health officials reported that at least 22 people were killed by Israeli strikes on Thursday.

This escalation follows a phone call between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the urgency of sealing a truce in Gaza and releasing hostages. Talks have repeatedly faltered as both Israel and Hamas stick to their demands.

In Beit Lahiya, a strike killed 11 people, while another killed six, including a local journalist, in Al-Maghazi camp. Separate strikes in the south resulted in five more fatalities. The Israeli military confirmed intensified operations in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis, killing 50 militants in Rafah over the past day. Hamas wants the war to end and hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, while Netanyahu insists the war will continue until Hamas is defeated.

Residents in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis report tanks and drones advancing, displacing families under heavy fire. Many families are now sleeping on roads and beaches, with others voicing frustration over ceasefire talks they believe only serve to buy time for Israeli operations. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been repeatedly displaced, with over 40,000 killed since October.

(With inputs from agencies.)