Israel has launched a wide-scale military operation in Gaza City on July 8, 2024, causing thousands of Palestinians to flee amid heavy fighting, airstrikes, and artillery fire. The Israeli military has expanded its control in northern Gaza, targeting areas previously thought cleared of militants, including the Shujaiya neighborhood and the UNRWA headquarters in the al-Shati refugee camp. The operation has resulted in dozens of deaths and injuries, with many casualties reportedly trapped under rubble.The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, reports that at least 38,193 Palestinians, including 15,694 children and 10,279 women, have been killed in Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. The ongoing bombardment has prevented ambulances and medical teams from entering affected areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.Amid the escalating violence, diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire continue. An Israeli delegation, led by the head of the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet, has departed for Cairo for indirect talks with Hamas. The negotiations aim to secure a six-week ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, with some hostages in Gaza to be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.However, internal opposition to the ceasefire talks is mounting within Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that stopping the military offensive in Gaza now would be a ‘catastrophic mistake,’ arguing that Hamas is collapsing and begging for a ceasefire. Far-right parties have threatened to halt negotiations, claiming that a ceasefire would allow Hamas to recover and fight again.Hamas, for its part, claims that Israel’s new attacks are aimed at sabotaging peace negotiations. A Hamas official told Palestinian media that the negotiations cannot succeed under Israel’s attempts to impose its will through force. The group has reportedly dropped its insistence on a ‘complete’ ceasefire, a demand Israel has repeatedly rejected.
Key points
- Israel has launched a major military operation in Gaza City, causing mass displacement and casualties.
- Ceasefire negotiations continue in Cairo, aiming for a six-week truce and prisoner exchange.
- Internal opposition in Israel, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, argues against halting the military offensive.
- Hamas claims Israel’s attacks are aimed at sabotaging peace negotiations.
Contradictions👾While some sources report that Hamas has dropped its demand for a complete ceasefire, others state that Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire as part of any agreement.
