Prospects of a ceasefire between Israel and its foes Hamas and Hezbollah have significantly declined. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 68 people in the Gaza Strip, according to medics, and targeted Beirut's southern suburbs.
The Israeli military announced the killing of senior Hamas official Izz al-Din Kassab in an airstrike in Khan Younis, a southern Gaza town. Kassab was described as one of the last high-ranking Hamas members coordinating with other groups in Gaza.
Despite efforts by U.S. envoys to secure ceasefires ahead of the U.S. presidential election next Tuesday, Hamas rejected the proposals. Al-Aqsa Hamas television reported that any ceasefire must end the year-long war in Gaza and include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the devastated enclave.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that enforcing security remains a top priority, despite external pressures. His office conveyed this message to U.S. envoys Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk on Thursday.
Israeli airstrikes on Friday targeted multiple locations in Gaza, including Deir Al-Balah, the Nuseirat camp, and Al-Zawayda. Tragically, 14 people lost their lives in a strike at a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat, and additional casualties were reported in Khan Younis and other areas.
Residents in Gaza reported Israeli tanks advancing on Nuseirat, and further airstrikes resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including three children. The Israeli military stated that its operations targeted armed terrorists but did not comment on the school strike.
UN humanitarian agencies have described the situation in north Gaza as \"apocalyptic,\" warning of imminent risks of disease, famine, and violence as Israel continues its offensive against regrouping Hamas militants.
In Lebanon, Israeli forces conducted at least 10 strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, marking the first bombardment of the area in nearly a week. These strikes followed evacuation orders for 10 neighborhoods in the Lebanese capital.
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati accused Israel of obstructing negotiation progress, labeling Israeli actions as \"stubbornness\" and insisting on a strategy of \"killing and destruction.\"
The conflict has resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths and significant destruction in Gaza, alongside nearly 2,900 fatalities in Lebanon. Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israel continue in solidarity with Palestinians following the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
