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Title: Intensifying Battles in Gaza Despite Calls for Cease-fire

In the midst of escalating tensions, the Israeli military has announced that battles in southern Gaza are intensifying, disregarding pleas for a cease-fire from humanitarian groups and public protests at home. Despite international concerns, the military reported targeting approximately 200 undisclosed locations in the Gaza Strip over the past 24 hours.

Ground operations in southern Gaza have been expanded, with Israeli soldiers engaged in fierce combat above ground in Khan Younis. Additional forces have been deployed underground to destroy Hamas-operated tunnels. Meanwhile, fighting in the north of Gaza, where Israel claims to have gained control over Hamas strongholds, has also surged.

The Gaza Health Ministry has reported dozens of deaths from airstrikes in the central Gaza neighborhood of Al Maghazi. Journalists present on the ground have witnessed the wounded and dead being rushed to nearby hospitals. The hospital spokesman has blamed Israeli airstrikes for the casualties, although the Israeli military has stated that it is reviewing the situation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has boldly declared that Israel will intensify its military campaign in Gaza with the ultimate objectives of liberating hostages, eliminating Hamas, and neutralizing the threat posed by Gaza. Despite pressure from international allies urging a pause in the fighting, Netanyahu remains resolute in his goal of destroying Hamas.

While details of a new phase of the fighting have been mentioned by the Israeli government, no specifics have been provided. The ongoing bombardments and ground invasion by the Israeli military have resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 Gazans during the 11 weeks of conflict, according to Gaza health authorities.

As the situation worsens, international concern has grown over the deteriorating conditions in Gaza. The population is increasingly cut off from the outside world, facing displacement, cold weather, and hunger. The United States, preventing the U.N. Security Council from calling for a cease-fire, has instead emphasized the urgent need for more humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza.

President Joe Biden has engaged in a conversation with Prime Minister Netanyahu but did not explicitly request a cease-fire during their discussion. As battles rage on, the world watches in apprehension, hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution to this devastating conflict.