Israeli strikes intensify in south Gaza as Hamas delegation heads to Cairo for truce talks

Israel has launched intensified airstrikes on south and central Gaza, particularly targeting Khan Yunis. The move comes as Egypt prepares to host a high-level Hamas delegation for talks aimed at ending the devastating 12-week war in the besieged Palestinian territory.

The Israeli military claims to have eliminated dozens of terrorists across Gaza in the past 24 hours, with footage showing smoke rising over Rafah near the Egyptian border after fresh strikes on Friday. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported 41 casualties in Israeli shelling near Al-Amal in Khan Yunis over the past two days, including displaced persons seeking shelter.

Amid the conflict, an estimated 100,000 more displaced people have sought refuge in Rafah, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation. The Gaza war has left the northern part of the territory in ruins, with tensions escalating across the Middle East.

Israel’s commitment to destroying Hamas, labeled a “terrorist” group by the U.S. and the EU, remains firm in retaliation for the October 7 attack, resulting in approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians. Around 250 hostages were taken during the attack, and more than half remain captive.

The Israeli army, deploying an additional brigade to Khan Yunis, emphasizes the mission to return hostages and eliminate terrorists. Egypt’s three-stage plan, according to sources close to Hamas, includes renewable ceasefires, a staggered release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and an ultimate end to the war.

The UN reports that over 80% of Gaza’s 2.4 million people have been displaced, living in cramped shelters or makeshift tents around Rafah. The Israeli siege, in place since October 7, has led to severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine, further exacerbated by attacks on UN aid convoys.

As the situation worsens, a Hamas delegation in Cairo is set to respond to the Egyptian proposal, seeking guarantees for a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. The proposal outlines a post-war scenario with a Palestinian government of technocrats responsible for governance and reconstruction.

The conflict’s toll has sparked rallies for a ceasefire, with tensions between Israel and Iran escalating. Israel reported striking “Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon” after cross-border fire with Iran-backed Hezbollah. The region remains on edge as diplomatic efforts continue to find a resolution.