Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq insists the group remains committed to ceasefire talks with Israel, despite recent deadly attacks in Gaza. He accuses Israel of undermining mediation efforts through intensified strikes, escalating tensions in the region.
Hamas claims Mohammed Deif is alive
An Israeli strike in Khan Younis killed at least 90 Palestinians on Saturday, dramatically intensifying the situation. This attack, allegedly targeting Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, has jeopardized ongoing negotiations. Israel claims it eliminated Rafa Salama, a Hamas brigade commander, but uncertainty surrounds Deif’s fate. Both sides continue to exchange conflicting reports about the outcome of this significant strike.
Israeli forces continue to conduct aerial and ground operations across Gaza. They struck a UN-run school in the Nuseirat camp, resulting in 15 Palestinian casualties and numerous injuries. Israel maintains Hamas fighters used the site as a base for attacks, stating they took precautions to minimize civilian harm. However, this claim faces scrutiny from international observers and human rights organizations.
Gaza health ministry claims that nearly 40,000 Palestinians have been killed
The Gaza health ministry reports a staggering 38,584 Palestinian deaths since October 7, with 141 killed in the past day alone – marking the highest single-day fatality count in weeks. Officials claim most casualties are non-combatants, though the ministry doesn’t distinguish between combatants and civilians in its reports. On the other side, Israel has lost 326 soldiers in Gaza and estimates fighters comprise a third of Palestinian fatalities.
Egyptian sources have suspended ceasefire talks in Doha and Cairo after three days of intense negotiations. This development deals a significant blow to hopes for a peaceful resolution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss the situation with his inner circle of ministers, potentially shaping Israel’s next moves in the conflict.
The current war began with a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, which claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in about 250 hostages taken to Gaza. This event triggered Israel’s extensive military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
As violence continues to escalate, the international community watches closely to see if diplomacy can overcome the mounting tensions in this protracted conflict. The coming days will prove crucial in determining whether peace efforts can gain traction amidst the ongoing hostilities. Humanitarian concerns grow as the death toll rises and infrastructure damage worsens, putting increased pressure on both sides to find a path towards de-escalation.
With inputs from Reuters
