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Live from NPR news in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.

The health ministry in Gaza says the number of Palestinians killed since this start of the war against Hamas has surpassed 50,000. NPR's Daniel Estrin reports

air strikes have killed hundreds of Palestinians since Israel resumed its attacks in the strip.

The Israeli military says it has launched an offensive near Rafa in southern Gaza. Medics report

heavy fighting from Israeli ground troops.

Palestinians only recently returned to live in that area during a ceasefire.

Now Israel is ordering them to leave to a zone along the coast.

Hamas says among those killed in Israel's latest strikes was one of the last Hamas political

leaders based in Gaza.

All of this is part of Israel's return to war,

to pressure Hamas to release hostages under more favorable terms to Israel. Israel says

its security cabinet reviewed plans for continuing an aid blockade on Gaza and increasing

the military campaign. Daniel Estrin NPR News, Tel Aviv. Canada says it will hold a

parliamentary election next month. Emma Jacobs reports the announcement was made today by the newly

elected Canadian Prime Minister. Prime Minister Mark Carney replaced former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

earlier this month as the head of Canada's Liberal Party.

His calling a snap election dissolves Parliament and launches a five-week election campaign.

Carney says he wants a strong, positive mandate from Canadian voters.

...