Israeli airstrikes intensify in Gaza as Hamas faces pressure to accept cease-fire agreement

Israeli airstrikes intensify in Gaza as Hamas faces pressure to accept cease-fire agreement

The Israeli military ramped up its airstrikes and artillery barrages in northern Gaza on Thursday, putting more pressure on Hamas to accept a hostage exchange and cease-fire agreement.

Hamas had previously rejected Israel's offer on Wednesday, saying they would not consider any hostage negotiations until a cease-fire was already underway. There remain roughly 130 hostages in Gaza, though it is unclear how many of those remain alive.

President Biden's administration says as many as eight of the the hostages are American citizens or greencard holders.