Escalation in Gaza: Israeli Air Strikes Kill 61

Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in 61 deaths within 24 hours. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire have failed, and both sides blame each other. Despite the conflict, a polio vaccination campaign continues, reaching over half of Gaza's children in its initial stages.

Israeli forces intensified their military operations in Gaza, resulting in at least 61 fatalities within a 24-hour period, according to local medics. The Israeli military stated the strikes were aimed at a Hamas command center, while Palestinian officials accuse Israel of targeting civilians.

Diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire have repeatedly failed, with both sides attributing the impasse to the other. The U.S., under CIA Director William Burns, plans to present a new proposal, but significant challenges remain.

Meanwhile, limited pauses in the fighting have allowed the U.N. to advance a critical polio vaccination campaign, reaching more than half of Gaza's 640,000 children. The conflict, ignited by a deadly Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, remains volatile.

(With inputs from agencies.)