Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday left at least 21 people dead, including six children, as tensions intensify ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to the region. The strikes targeted a residential area in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, claiming the lives of a mother and her six children. Israeli forces reported the destruction of rocket launchers in Khan Younis, asserting that 20 Palestinian fighters were killed. Diplomatic efforts led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are ongoing, aiming to broker a ceasefire amid escalating violence.
The situation in Gaza has grown increasingly dire, with massive displacement exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military's recent evacuation orders have forced civilians into overcrowded areas, leading to severe shortages of essential resources such as water. Blinken's visit, his tenth since the conflict's onset, comes as part of an urgent push for a ceasefire deal. However, despite cautious optimism from Israeli and U.S. officials, Hamas remains skeptical, accusing Israel of imposing new conditions to derail negotiations .
