As tensions escalate, at least eight Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, according to local civil defense and medical sources. The strikes targeted several areas, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, reported that three people were killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting a gathering in the al-Shati refugee camp west of Gaza City. In separate incidents, two Palestinians lost their lives in an airstrike in the Al-Karama neighborhood, while another two were killed in the Al-Shuja’iya neighborhood. Additionally, a young man was reported dead in Jabalia town in northern Gaza following Israeli artillery fire.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of prolonging the conflict through “a time-buying game” aimed at facilitating “genocide, displacement, and annexation.” The ministry called on the international community to take urgent action to halt the violence.
The hostilities, which began on October 7, 2023, were triggered by a surprise attack by Hamas militants on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the taking of approximately 250 hostages. In response, Israel has launched extensive airstrikes on Gaza, leading to a significant increase in Palestinian casualties.
Progress in Ceasefire Negotiations
Despite the ongoing violence, indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel have reportedly made progress toward a potential ceasefire agreement. “We are not far from a ceasefire agreement if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responds positively to the main issues under discussion,” said Tahir al-Nono, a senior Hamas official, in comments to local media. He emphasized that Hamas remains “flexible” and is working with mediators to end the conflict, with the main goal of “ending the war.”
Another Hamas official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the framework for a ceasefire is nearly complete. The proposed deal is said to include two phases: the initial release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees by Israel, withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, and the facilitation of displaced residents returning to their homes. The second phase aims to address broader issues such as a full ceasefire, reconstruction of Gaza, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu updated U.S. President Joe Biden during a phone call on the “progress” of the negotiations. According to White House sources, President Biden stressed the “immediate need for a ceasefire and the return of hostages.”
Mediation efforts are ongoing, with delegations from both sides engaging with international mediators. The situation remains fluid, and the international community watches closely in hopes of a resolution that will bring peace to the region.
Reference(s):
Israel continues strikes across Gaza amid renewed ceasefire push
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