Gaza Crisis Deepens as Israel Shifts Focus from Iran, Hostage Families Urge Broader Ceasefire

Gaza Crisis Deepens Amid Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns Gaza City, Gaza – The Israeli offensive in Gaza continues unabated, with health officials reporting over 860 Palestinian fatalities since June 13. CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward provided an update on the escalating situation, highlighting the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) shift in strategic focus from Iran to operations within Gaza. The IDF's current objective is reportedly to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of 50 hostages, with 20 believed to be alive. This shift comes after 12 days of conflict involving Iran, which the IDF is now deprioritizing. Meanwhile, calls for an expanded ceasefire are growing. The Missing Family Hostage Forum has urged Israel's leadership to include Gaza in any ceasefire agreement, emphasizing the need to bring all hostages home and end the conflict in the region. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with the United Nations warning of a looming man-made famine. Recent reports indicate more than 70 people were killed in Gaza in just the last 24 hours, underscoring the severe impact on the civilian population.