Israeli Forces Escalate Attacks in Gaza, Killing at Least 21 Amid Ongoing Conflict

Israeli forces intensified their offensive in Gaza, conducting airstrikes and ground operations, resulting in at least 21 deaths. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops and reiterated efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing 120 hostages. The conflict has strained Gaza's healthcare facilities, with more than 38,848 Palestinians killed since October.

Israeli forces bombarded Gaza's historic refugee camps and Gaza City on Thursday, killing at least 21 people, while tanks advanced in Rafah, health officials said. Airstrikes claimed 16 lives in Zawayda, Bureij, Nuseirat, and Deir-Al-Balah, according to health officials.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, set to address the U.S. Congress, visited troops near Rafah, emphasizing that military and hostage release efforts are yielding results. His office released a statement affirming this stance.

The Israeli military reported killing two senior Islamic Jihad commanders in Gaza City airstrikes. Palestinian medics reported five deaths in these strikes. In Rafah, Israeli tanks moved deeper into the city, and the military found tunnels and engaged gunmen. At Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, health officials exhumed 12 bodies for reburial, as medical workers and families looked on.