Israeli army steps up attacks across Gaza Strip

According to local residents, the latest attacks have destroyed many houses in the eastern town of Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Meanwhile, thousands of people were forced to leave their homes and evacuate to designated shelters in the west of the city. According to Gaza health officials, at least 55 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours. In addition, Israeli forces have also bombed several areas in the northern and central Gaza Strip, causing casualties among several Palestinians.

For its part, the Israeli military said its operations targeted areas believed to be used by members of the Islamist movement Hamas to launch rockets toward Israel.

The development occurred as Prime Minister Netanyahu was on a visit to the United States, amid chilly relations between the two allied countries due to the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli leader is expected to address the US Congress later on July 24 (local time), before holding talks with President Joe Biden at the White House on July 25, to discuss ways to help Israel achieve its goals in the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

The visit comes as Netanyahu faces pressure to negotiate a ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, while the US is focused on the election after President Joe Biden abandoned his bid for re-election.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said this week that a deal to free Israeli hostages held in Gaza was close. However, Hamas leaders said Israel's stance could prevent a deal from being reached.