Israeli forces have withdrawn from parts of Gaza City after a week-long military offensive, leaving behind a trail of destruction and numerous casualties. The Gaza Civil Defense reported extracting around 60 bodies from the Tel al-Hawa and industrial areas, with many victims burned or charred. Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for the Gaza Civil Defense, stated that the Israeli operation in Tel al-Hawa lasted seven days, following a 14-day operation in the Shajaiya neighborhood.Despite the partial withdrawal, Israeli snipers and tanks still control high ground in some locations, warning residents against returning to their homes. The Israeli military claims to be working to dismantle Hamas capabilities in Gaza City while following international law and taking precautions to minimize civilian harm. However, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports that the death toll in Gaza has risen to 38,345 since October 7, 2023, with 88,295 wounded.As the conflict continues, ceasefire negotiations are ongoing. Hamas has proposed that an independent Palestinian government administer the Gaza Strip after the war, suggesting preparations for general elections. This proposal comes as US-backed mediators seek to finalize a peace deal to free remaining hostages. In a significant development, Israeli and Egyptian negotiators are discussing an electronic surveillance system along the Gaza-Egypt border, which could allow Israel to pull back its troops from the area if a ceasefire is agreed.Meanwhile, the United States has resumed shipping 500-pound bombs to Israel, raising concerns about potential civilian casualties. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with reports of blocked aid at the Kerem Shalom crossing and the UN and Israel blaming each other for the blockade.
Key points
- Israeli forces have withdrawn from parts of Gaza City, leaving behind significant destruction and casualties.
- Hamas has proposed an independent Palestinian government for post-war Gaza.
- Ceasefire negotiations continue, with discussions about an electronic surveillance system along the Gaza-Egypt border.
- The United States has resumed shipping 500-pound bombs to Israel, raising concerns about civilian casualties.
Contradictions👾While the Israeli military claims to be taking precautions to minimize civilian harm, the high number of civilian casualties and destruction reported by Palestinian sources suggests otherwise.
👾The resumption of US bomb shipments to Israel seems to contradict efforts to reduce civilian casualties and achieve a ceasefire.
