Israel bombs Gaza as Gantz prepares to quit government

Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza on Saturday amid increasing cross-border violence, as an Israeli war cabinet minister threatened to resign over the government’s handling of the military campaign.

Airstrikes targeted various parts of the Gaza Strip, focusing on central areas, according to witnesses and AFP journalists. This assault persisted even after Israel faced criticism for a Thursday attack on a U.N.-run school in Gaza, which a hospital claimed killed 37 people. The Israeli military admitted to the strike in the Nuseirat refugee camp, claiming it targeted a Hamas base and killed 17 militants. Hamas, which governs Gaza, accused the army of providing false information.

UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, condemned the strike on the school, which it said housed 6,000 displaced individuals. The agency emphasized that targeting U.N. premises should not become normalized and called for accountability.

Hezbollah has escalated its involvement, using drones and anti-aircraft missiles against Israeli targets, causing significant forest fires in northern Israel. Despite the increasing violence, experts suggest the risk of an all-out war remains limited, as both sides have avoided deeper incursions and full-scale attacks.

The war, now in its ninth month, has resulted in at least 455 deaths in Lebanon, including around 90 civilians, and over 36,731 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to local health authorities. On the Israeli side, 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed.

Diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken set to visit the region to push for Hamas to accept President Joe Biden’s ceasefire proposal. This proposal includes a temporary halt to fighting, an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and increased aid delivery to Gaza.

Despite the mounting pressure and international calls for restraint, including a joint statement from the leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, the conflict shows no signs of abating. Political tensions within Israel are also rising, with war cabinet member Benny Gantz threatening to resign over disagreements on the post-war plan for Gaza.

### Key Points:
– **Continued Bombardment:** Israel continues to bomb Gaza, focusing on central areas.
– **U.N. School Attack:** Israel’s airstrike on a U.N.-run school killed 37 people, leading to international condemnation.
– **Hezbollah’s Escalation:** Hezbollah has increased its attacks using drones and anti-aircraft missiles.
– **Casualties:** The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 36,731 deaths in Gaza and 455 in Lebanon.
– **Diplomatic Efforts:** U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit the region to push for a ceasefire.
– **Political Tensions:** Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz may resign over disagreements on Gaza’s post-war plan.

### Prediction:
The conflict between Israel and Gaza, compounded by Hezbollah’s involvement, is likely to continue with persistent airstrikes and diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire. The internal political pressures within Israel may also influence the course of the conflict.