In a significant development, Hamas has denied suspending ceasefire talks with Israel, contradicting earlier reports of a withdrawal from negotiations. This clarification comes in the wake of a deadly Israeli airstrike on July 13 that targeted high-ranking Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip.The Israeli military confirmed the death of Rafa Salama, commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis brigade, describing him as a key figure in past operations, including the 2006 kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. However, the fate of Mohammed Deif, Hamas’s elusive military chief, remains uncertain. While Israel targeted Deif in the strike, Hamas insists he is ‘alive and well, directly overseeing operations’.The attack on the Al-Mawasi refugee camp, which Israel claims was a ‘closed zone managed by Hamas’, resulted in at least 90 civilian deaths, including women and children, and wounded over 300 others. This has sparked international condemnation, with the UN reporting ‘some of the most horrific scenes’ since the start of the war.Despite the escalation, Hamas officials state they are willing to resume talks when Israel demonstrates seriousness in concluding a ceasefire agreement and releasing Palestinian prisoners. The conflict, ongoing since October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 38,400 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for a diplomatic solution.Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant claimed that Hamas’s ability to re-establish itself is ‘very low’, indicating the continued pressure on the organization. The situation remains tense, with reports of additional attacks, including a suspected terrorist incident in Israel and the arrest of a Palestinian woman in Hebron for allegedly planning a knife attack.
Key points
- Hamas denies suspending ceasefire talks with Israel, contradicting earlier reports.
- Israeli airstrike killed Hamas commander Rafa Salama, but Mohammed Deif’s fate remains disputed.
- At least 90 civilians were killed in the Al-Mawasi refugee camp attack, sparking international condemnation.
- Hamas is willing to resume talks if Israel shows seriousness about a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about Hamas suspending or withdrawing from ceasefire talks versus denying such suspension.
👾Hamas claims Mohammed Deif survived the Israeli airstrike, while Israel has not confirmed his status.
