Thu Nov 21 19:01:15 UTC 2024: ## Gaza Hospital Strike Kills Dozens, as US Seeks Lebanon Truce Amidst Ongoing Regional Conflict

**BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, November 22, 2024** – Dozens of Palestinians were killed or remain unaccounted for following Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, hospital officials and the Civil Defence Agency reported Thursday. One devastating strike near Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza left numerous casualties, with bodies arriving at the hospital in fragmented pieces, according to hospital director Hossam Abu Safiya. Another strike in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood resulted in at least 22 confirmed deaths, according to Civil Defence Spokesman Mahmud Bassal.

The escalating conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel – the deadliest in Israeli history – continues to rage. Israel has vowed to crush Hamas and secure the release of hostages taken during the initial attack. The conflict has expanded to Lebanon, where Israel is battling Hamas ally Hezbollah.

Amidst the widespread devastation, US envoy Amos Hochstein is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to pursue a truce in the Lebanon conflict. Hochstein’s recent meetings in Lebanon suggest potential progress towards a ceasefire there. However, the US vetoed a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza on Wednesday, citing concerns it would embolden Hamas.

The human cost remains staggering. The Hamas health ministry in Gaza reports over 44,056 deaths, while Israel cites over 1,206 deaths from the initial Hamas attack. The conflict has also claimed the lives of over 3,558 people in Lebanon, including more than 200 children, and dozens in Syria. The fighting has also resulted in 82 Israeli soldiers and 47 Israeli civilians dead.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem issued a defiant statement, vowing to strike Tel Aviv in retaliation for Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar insisted that any ceasefire must not compromise Israel’s ability to act against Hezbollah. The ongoing rocket fire continues, with one man killed in northern Israel on Thursday after rockets fired from Lebanon hit a playground. Israel has intensified strikes in Lebanon and Syria, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and pro-Iranian fighters. The ongoing conflict underscores the complex and deeply entrenched nature of the regional struggle.

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