Israel Launches Intense Offensive in Gaza, Hitting 450 Targets in 24 Hours

In the past 24 hours, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out an intense offensive in Gaza, striking 450 Hamas targets with fighter jets and seizing a militant compound. The airstrikes resulted in dozens of casualties, according to Gaza health authorities.

A Reuters journalist on the ground in Gaza described the bombardment as one of the most intense since the conflict began in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel a month ago.

Hamas-controlled Gaza has reported a death toll of more than 9,770 Palestinians since the start of the war. Israel launched its offensive after Hamas killed 1,400 people and took over 240 hostages on October 7th.

While Israel faces pressure to minimize civilian casualties, it refuses to consider a ceasefire until the hostages are released. The United States is actively involved in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to meet with Turkey’s foreign minister to discuss the situation, following a pro-Palestinian protest in Turkey where hundreds attempted to storm an air base housing U.S. troops. Blinken also recently visited the West Bank to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israel has emphasized that there will be no ceasefire without the return of the hostages. At the same time, reports of “unprecedented bombardment” from Israel and cutoffs in communication and internet services have been reported by Palestinian news agencies.

The Gaza health ministry has confirmed multiple fatalities caused by the Israeli airstrikes. The IDF has stated that its strikes targeted various assets, including tunnels, military compounds, observation posts, and missile launch posts. Ground troops also killed several Hamas fighters while taking control of a militant compound.

Additionally, the New York Times has reported that the director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), William Burns, is planning to visit Israel to discuss the ongoing conflict and intelligence with senior officials.

The situation in Gaza continues to escalate, with the international community calling for an immediate ceasefire. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to engage with foreign leaders to discuss the conflict and increase humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza. Jordan has already air-dropped urgent medical aid to a field hospital in Gaza.

The war has also led to an increase in violence between Israelis and Palestinians in other areas, such as East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank. Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have also risen, with both sides launching attacks.

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