Israeli Forces Escalate Gaza Offensive Amid Truce Talks

Israeli forces have deepened their operations in central and southern Gaza, leading to numerous casualties. Amid escalating violence, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a truce with Hamas. Months of negotiations have stalled as both sides hold firmly to their demands.

Israeli forces pressed deeper into areas of the central and southern Gaza Strip as they battled Hamas fighters. Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli strikes had killed at least 27 people across the enclave. The new escalation comes after U.S. President Joe Biden pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on sealing a truce in Gaza and releasing hostages.

Months of on-off talks on a ceasefire have circled the same issues, with Israel and Hamas sticking firmly to their demands. A strike on a house in Beit Lahiya killed 11 people, including children and women, according to Gaza's Civil Emergency Service. A strike in Al-Maghazi camp killed six people, including a local journalist, while five others died in separate strikes in the south. Later, five Palestinians were killed in an airstrike near Khan Younis.

The Israeli military intensified operations in Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis, dismantling military structures and killing militants. Hamas ambushed an Israeli force in Rafah, causing casualties. Efforts for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange remain stalled, as Netanyahu insists a truce would only be a temporary pause while Hamas remains a threat.

(With inputs from agencies.)