Casualties Rise Amid Gaza Conflict and Cease-Fire Talks

Recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with at least 37 Palestinians killed, many in Khan Younis, including entire families and children. Israel also conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing eight people, amid escalating violence that has led China to advise its citizens to leave Lebanon. The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7 with Hamas's attack on Israel, has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military claims to have killed over 17,000 fighters and continues operations to dismantle terrorist infrastructure in Gaza. Amid these hostilities, high-level cease-fire talks are underway in Cairo, while efforts to retrieve Israeli captives from Gaza continue. International entities, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are actively involved in mediating for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.