Israeli forces on Monday, increased their operations around Khan Younis in southern Gaza. They took this action despite ongoing international efforts to halt the fighting and prevent a larger conflict involving Iran and its allies. Recent airstrikes in Khan Younis reportedly killed at least 18 people and injured several others, according to Palestinian medics.
As violence persists, more families are fleeing newly identified danger areas. An Israeli airstrike later hit the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, killing five people. Another attack in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, resulted in two additional deaths.
Hamas expresses skepticism about the upcoming talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar, scheduled for Thursday. They have criticized the lack of progress from Israel and are urging mediators to press Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal supported by U.S. President Joe Biden. Hamas fears that the ongoing talks might merely serve as a cover for further Israeli actions.
Sources close to Hamas believe that Israel might be using the talks as a tactic to avoid reactions from Iran and Hezbollah following recent assassinations. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, and a senior Hezbollah figure was targeted in Lebanon. One Palestinian official mentioned that Hamas might reconsider if offered a workable proposal, but there is little trust in Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s commitment to a genuine agreement.
In response to rising tensions, the U.S. has dispatched a guided missile submarine to the Middle East and expedited the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln strike group. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin about Iranian plans for a major military strike against Israel. The Gaza conflict has now entered its 11th month, underscoring increased regional instability.
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