Israeli Strikes Kill 23 in Gaza as Conflict Escalates
Key Points:
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Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday killed at least 23 Palestinians across Gaza, according to local health officials.
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The Israeli military expanded evacuation orders, affecting tens of thousands in northern and southern Gaza.
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Nearly 700 people, mostly women and children, have died since Israel resumed attacks last week following the collapse of a two-month ceasefire.
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Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been repeatedly displaced and are facing severe shortages of food and water.
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Hamas accuses Israel of abandoning the Jan 19 ceasefire agreement but says it is engaging in renewed mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.
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The United Nations is reducing its international staff in Gaza by a third due to safety concerns, affecting agencies like the WHO, WFP, and UNICEF.
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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel would seize more Gaza territory if Hamas refuses to release hostages.
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Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas and prevent it from governing Gaza in the future.
The escalation in Gaza has led to increased civilian casualties and displacement, while diplomatic efforts to restore a ceasefire remain stalled. The situation continues to deteriorate as Israel intensifies military operations and threatens further territorial expansion.
