Death Toll Rises in Gaza as Israel Intensifies Attacks; Hamas Offers Truce Deal, Netanyahu Rejects:

At least 73 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in ongoing Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, with 43 of those deaths reported in Gaza City alone, according to hospital officials speaking to Al Jazeera. The renewed wave of violence comes as Israel continues its offensive on Gaza’s main urban center, intensifying a war that has now stretched on for nearly a year. Meanwhile, Hamas has announced its readiness to accept a comprehensive ceasefire deal. In a statement, the group said it agrees to the formation of an independent national administration to govern Gaza and is prepared to release all Israeli captives as part of a broader truce agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office swiftly rejected the proposal, stating that “the war can end immediately” — but only under terms dictated by the Israeli cabinet. In a parallel development, Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has sparked further controversy by unveiling a proposal for Israel to annex nearly all of the occupied West Bank. He is now urging Netanyahu to endorse the annexation plan, a move that would dramatically escalate tensions and likely draw global condemnation. Human Cost of the War Since the war began on October 7, 2023, the Gaza Strip has seen unprecedented destruction. According to the latest figures: At least 63,746 Palestinians have been killed Over 161,245 others have been wounded In Israel, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7 attacks Approximately 200 individuals were taken captive by Hamas The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened as the conflict drags on, with most of the enclave's population displaced and essential infrastructure in ruins. As diplomatic efforts continue to stall and both sides dig into their positions, the people of Gaza and southern Israel continue to bear the brunt of a war with no clear end in sight.

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