Israeli Offensive Escalates, Ceasefire Talks Stalled

Israel has launched a major new ground offensive in both northern and southern Gaza, backed by hundreds of airstrikes, resulting in over 140 Palestinian deaths since early Sunday and at least 91 more killed on Monday, according to local officials. The escalation follows a humanitarian aid blockade imposed by Israel in March, which Prime Minister Netanyahu has recently agreed to partially ease to allow basic food supplies into Gaza. All public hospitals in northern Gaza are now out of service, and over 3,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the last ceasefire ended, with the death toll since October 2023 exceeding 53,000. Ceasefire talks are ongoing in Qatar, focusing on a possible 70-day truce and hostage exchanges. Hamas has denied reports it would release a small number of hostages in exchange for a two-month ceasefire, insisting it will only release all hostages if Israel ends the war with international guarantees. The intensifying conflict and worsening humanitarian crisis have diminished hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough.