Fighting Intensifies as Some Gazans Express Hope for Renewed Ceasefire Calls – Reuters

Israeli forces engaged in clashes with militants led by Hamas in both the northern and southern regions of the Gaza Strip on Thursday. Palestinian health officials reported that military strikes by Israel across the territory resulted in the deaths of at least 17 Palestinians overnight.

Medical personnel indicated that these fatalities were caused by separate air strikes in the central Gaza Strip’s Deir Al-Balah, as well as in the southern towns of Khan Younis and Rafah. The armed factions of Hamas and Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for firing mortar bombs at Israeli positions in the central region of Gaza, with Hamas also stating that they targeted Israeli forces in Khan Younis.

Local residents reported that Israeli troops were demolishing several homes in Rafah and Zeitoun, a suburb of Gaza City, as military operations continued in those areas. Gaza health authorities have reported over 41,400 confirmed Palestinian deaths since Israel launched its offensive in response to a Hamas assault on October 7 of the previous year, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people in Israel and the capture of about 250 hostages.

The conflict in Gaza persists even amid an escalating confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza have seen minimal success, with Israel maintaining its stance that it will not agree to any cessation of fighting until Hamas is completely defeated.

The scope of the conflict has widened recently, with Israel conducting its most extensive air strikes on Lebanon in nearly 20 years, targeting Hezbollah fighters who have been firing into Israel in support of the Palestinian cause.

On Wednesday, the United States, France, and a number of other allies urged an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border while also advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza during intense discussions at the United Nations.

Amidst the ongoing violence, many Palestinians in Gaza expressed hope that a resolution to the conflict in Lebanon could also lead to an end in Gaza. Tamer Al-Burai, a displaced Palestinian businessman currently in Khan Younis, noted, “Since October 8, Hassan Nasrallah conditioned the ending of Hezbollah’s strikes on addressing the Israeli offenses in Gaza. This presents a significant opportunity for peace to prevail in both Lebanon and Gaza.”

Al-Burai emphasized solidarity with the Lebanese people and hoped they would not suffer as Gaza has. Concerns were raised among some that a settlement in Lebanon might embolden Israeli actions in Gaza, but Abed Abu Mustafa, a Gaza City resident, remained optimistic, expecting Nasrallah to maintain support for Gaza.

Abu Mustafa conveyed, “We believe that Nasrallah wouldn’t endorse an agreement that does not factor in Gaza. He has frequently spoken about the unity of the resistance front,” referring to the coalition of Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah, that have been engaged in conflict with Israel since the outbreak of war between Hamas and Israel.