World News

Ceasefire talks intensify amid ongoing violence in Gaza

Israel, Hamas, and international stakeholders have been in some of the most grave discussions in months over the possibility of a ceasefire over the embattled Gaza Strip, where Israeli attacks continue to rake in dozens of Palestinian bodies each day.

In a statement released Tuesday, Hamas said “positive” talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, have paved the way for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, provided Israel stops setting preconditions.

Israeli media has carried reports of growing optimism that a deal on a ceasefire is close, in what has been the strongest push since August. However, caution prevailed as previous attempts have blown up at the last moment due to shifting conditions and considerations, said Al Jazeera’s Nour Odeh.

Current negotiations reportedly are focused on the details, including just who will be released by which side. Both the outgoing and incoming administrations in Washington have taken an interest in facilitating this deal, although it does not bring any immediate end to hostilities.

The figure encompasses at least 45,059 Palestinians killed and more than 107,041 injured by Israeli airstrikes since early October 2023 following a Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed 1,139 people. At least 200 others had been taken captive in the wake of that attack – most about half of those abducted had been released during the fleeting lull in hostilities last year.

In the U.S., President Joe Biden reiterated this week his pledge to win freedom for those still being held, while President-elect Donald Trump threatened devastating repercussions should they not be released by January.

U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns is scheduled to travel to Doha on Wednesday to discuss the developments and is set to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Axios reported.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz told Knesset lawmakers that a deal is “closer than ever,” but made clear that once Hamas is defeated, Israel will “control security in Gaza with full freedom to act.” He added there would be no return to the pre-October 7 status quo and that Israeli control over Gaza would resemble its authority in the occupied West Bank.

While Israeli forces have conducted numerous violent raids in the West Bank, routinely resulting in casualties and home demolitions, Hamas has not recently addressed Israel’s insistence on maintaining control over Gaza, although it has previously demanded a withdrawal from specific areas, increased humanitarian aid, and reconstruction efforts.

Ceasefire talks continue, but Israeli attacks are still bringing destruction throughout Gaza. On Wednesday, Israeli forces hit the intensive care unit at Kamal Adwan Hospital, making it unusable, said the director, Hussam Abu Safia. Others were injured when Israeli forces bombed a tent in Deir el-Balah.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, as the Israeli military is still blocking most aid—especially in the north, which has been under a tight blockade for more than 70 days.

In a related development, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution supporting Palestinian statehood, with 172 countries voting in favor and only eight, including Israel and the U.S., opposing it.

Source
Al Jazeera

HD News Desk

From local issues to national events and global affairs, Hindustan Dot's news desk covers the latest news and developments from India and the world.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button