South Asia and Beyond

Israel-Gaza Violence: Egypt Plays Peacenik

As violence escalates between Israel and Hamas, Egypt is trying to broker peace. After meeting Hamas officials in Gaza, a team of Egyptian negotiators is currently in Israel to try and facilitate a ceasefire.

The death toll in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has risen with 83 Palestinians reported dead including 17 children and seven women, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israeli casualties have been far lower given its use of heavy firepower including air strikes. But Hamas ability to fire rockets into Israel has clearly rattled that country.

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The U.S. has backed Israel with President Joe Biden calling up Prime Minister Netanyahu to convey his support and the message that Israel has a right to defend itself. With hundreds of troops massed on the border with Gaza, it’s not clear if Israel intends to invade and sort out Hamas once and for all.

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