Escalation in Gaza: Airstrikes and Casualties Surge

The conflict in Gaza has escalated with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 65 Palestinians, including women, children, and journalists, in the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel resumed its offensive last week following a broken ceasefire, resulting in nearly 700 Palestinian deaths since then. Egyptian mediators have proposed a new ceasefire plan involving phased hostage releases by Hamas, but Israel has yet to respond. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have encircled the Tel Sultan neighborhood in Rafah in an operation to dismantle Hamas infrastructure, urging residents to evacuate. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbated by Israel's blockade of aid and electricity. Israel justifies its actions as necessary to force Hamas to release hostages, while Hamas denies using civilians as shields.