Israel’s military has called for more evacuations in southern Gaza as it widens its offensive aimed at eliminating the territory’s Hamas rulers. The war has already killed thousands of Palestinians and displaced most of Gaza’s residents, who are running out of safe places to go. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza says the death toll in the territory since Oct. 7 has surpassed 15,500. Israel says it targets Hamas operatives and blames civilian casualties on the militants, accusing them of operating in residential neighborhoods. Hopes for another temporary truce faded after Israel called its negotiators home. Hamas says talks on releasing more hostages must be tied to a permanent cease-fire. The United States, Qatar and Egypt say they are working on a longer truce.
