Scores of bodies recovered in Gaza City after Israeli assault

In Gaza City, a civil defense worker reported the discovery of 65 bodies under rubble in a neighborhood devastated by the recent Israeli assault following a terrorist attack by Hamas. The operation targeted militants regrouped in Gaza City, with the IDF claiming to have killed over 150 terrorists. Residents returned to the area to search for belongings amidst the destruction, while constant explosions were heard across the territory. Cease-fire talks in Doha, Qatar, saw Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu accusing Hamas of endangering Israel's security. In Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, civil defense workers recovered dozens of bodies from collapsed buildings, including entire families killed by artillery fire and airstrikes as they tried to flee. Troops withdrew from most of the area, but snipers and drones continued to fire. Mediators in Cairo worked on a proposed three-phase cease-fire and hostage release plan for Gaza, with Israel insisting on the elimination of Hamas before agreeing to any deal. Hamas dropped its demand for a permanent cease-fire commitment from Israel but seeks guarantees for ongoing negotiations until a lasting peace is achieved. The U.N. estimates around 300,000 people remain in the north of Gaza City and surrounding areas, despite many fleeing earlier in the conflict. Meanwhile, clashes between Hezbollah and Israel in northern Israel resulted in the death of an Israeli soldier. The situation remains tense as efforts continue to bridge the gap between Israel and Hamas for a potential cease-fire agreement. The conflict has left a trail of destruction and loss of life, with both sides grappling with complex political and security challenges in the region.