Hopes for ceasefire talks wane as Israel continues violent raids on Gaza, Lebanon

Ceasefire talks between Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah hit a roadblock on Friday after Israeli airstrikes killed at least 64 people in Gaza. Medics reported the deaths and dozens of injuries in Deir Al-Balah, Nuseirat camp, Al-Zawayda, and Gaza’s southern area.

The Israeli military confirmed killing senior Hamas official Izz al-Din Kassab in an airstrike in Khan Younis. Kassab was allegedly responsible for coordinating with other Gaza groups.

US envoys had been pushing for ceasefires ahead of the US presidential election. However, Hamas rejected the proposal, insisting any deal must end the year-long war in Gaza and include Israeli forces’ withdrawal.

Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he prioritized security “despite any pressure or constraints.” His office conveyed this message to US envoys Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk.

Israel continued its offensives against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Thursday’s strikes targeted Lebanon’s Baalbek region, causing damage to UNESCO-listed Roman ruins.

No fewer than 64 people were also killed and dozens injured overnight and into Friday morning in Israeli strikes on the city of Deir Al-Balah, the Nuseirat camp and the town of Al-Zawayda, all in Gaza’s central area, as well as in its south.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliation has killed over 43,000 Palestinians and 2,897 people in Lebanon.