Israeli Strikes Intensify in Gaza Amid Fears of Regional Escalation

Israeli forces intensified operations near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Monday, killing at least 18 people and wounding several others, according to Palestinian medical sources. The escalation comes amid an international push to broker a ceasefire and prevent a wider regional conflict involving Iran and its allies.

In addition to the strikes on Khan Younis, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed five people in the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City and two others in Rafah, near the Egyptian border. As the violence continued, thousands of families and displaced persons fled areas under new evacuation orders.

Hamas has expressed skepticism about the latest round of peace talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar, scheduled for Thursday. The group, which governs Gaza, accused Israel of stalling and failing to engage seriously in negotiations. Hamas has called on mediators to compel Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal based on ideas from U.S. President Joe Biden, which Hamas has endorsed.

"Hamas remains unconvinced that Israel, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, is serious about a ceasefire," said a Palestinian official close to the mediation efforts. "They believe the call for talks is a tactic to delay and deflect responses from Iran and Hezbollah following the assassination of senior leaders."

The deteriorating situation has heightened fears of a broader confrontation. The U.S. has responded by deploying additional military assets to the region, including a guided missile submarine and the Abraham Lincoln strike group. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran appears to be preparing for a large-scale military attack on Israel.

As the international community watches closely, the potential for escalation remains high, with significant implications for regional stability.