Smoke and flames billow from a residential building struck by an Israeli attack in the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Nuseirat refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, on Thursday, as captured in this screengrab from a video. — Reuters
Israeli military operations claimed the lives of at least 17 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Thursday, according to medical personnel, as forces intensified their bombardments in central areas and advanced with tanks further into the north and south of the territory. Six individuals perished in two separate air raids on a residence and near Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza Strip, while four more were killed when an Israeli strike targeted a motorcycle in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. In Nuseirat, one of the Gaza Strip's eight historic refugee camps, Israeli aircraft conducted multiple air raids, obliterating a multi-story building and striking roads adjacent to mosques. Health officials reported that at least seven people were killed in some of these attacks. Medical staff stated that at least two people, a woman and a child, were killed in tank shelling that struck western areas of Nuseirat, while an air strike claimed the lives of five others in a nearby house. In Rafah, near the border with Egypt, tanks advanced deeper into the northwestern part of the city, according to residents. There has been no Israeli comment on the hostilities in Gaza overnight and early Thursday.
Israel's 13-month campaign in Gaza, aimed at eradicating Hamas militants, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 44,200 people and displaced nearly the entire population of the enclave at least once, according to Gaza officials. Large parts of the territory lie in ruins. The war was initiated in response to an assault by Hamas-led fighters who killed around 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages in Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli authorities. Months of efforts to negotiate a ceasefire have produced little progress, and negotiations are currently suspended. Mediator Qatar has halted its efforts until both sides are willing to make concessions. A ceasefire in the parallel conflict between Israel and Hamas' Lebanese ally Hezbollah took effect before dawn on Wednesday, bringing an end to hostilities that had escalated significantly in recent months and overshadowed the conflict in Gaza. Announcing the Lebanon accord on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden stated he would now renew his push for a long-sought agreement in Gaza, urging Israel and Hamas to seize the opportunity.
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