Conflict in Gaza Escalates: Civilian Casualties Mount as Diplomatic Efforts Falter

Israeli forces advanced into Gaza towns, leading to heavy airstrikes and tank shelling, resulting in the deaths of 30 Palestinians and injuring 146. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to U.S. lawmakers highlighted the intention to continue the conflict, disappointing many displaced Palestinians. Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire remain stalled.

Israeli forces advanced deeper into towns on the eastern side of Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Thursday, with tanks advancing in central Rafah. Airstrikes and shelling over the past day have resulted in the deaths of 30 Palestinians, according to health officials.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed U.S. lawmakers, emphasizing his commitment to bringing hostages home. He is set to meet with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday. Meanwhile, the fighting centered around the eastern towns of Bani Suaila, Al-Zanna, and Al-Karara, where the bodies of five Israelis, held since Hamas' October 7 attack, were discovered.

The Gaza health ministry reported that Israeli strikes on eastern Khan Younis killed 14 people, with the overall death toll across Gaza reaching 30 in the past 24 hours. Hamas' early morning raid into southern Israel resulted in over 250 hostages and the deaths of 1,200 people, while Israel's retaliation has led to the deaths of more than 39,000 Palestinians.

(With inputs from agencies.)