The Israel-Gaza conflict has reached a critical juncture as ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked, with both sides accusing each other of obstructing progress. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has doubled down on his stance to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14km-long strip along the Gaza-Egypt border, citing it as crucial for Israel’s security. Netanyahu argues that this control is necessary to prevent Hamas from rearming and potentially launching attacks similar to the October 7 incident.Hamas, on the other hand, has rejected Netanyahu’s position, stating that there is ‘no need for new proposals’ and calling for pressure on the Israeli government to adhere to previously agreed-upon terms. The militant group accuses Netanyahu of using negotiations to prolong the conflict, which has resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian casualties, mostly women and children, over the past 10 months.Amidst this political impasse, a new humanitarian crisis has emerged with the outbreak of polio in Gaza. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a large-scale vaccination campaign, administering the first dose of polio vaccine to approximately 187,000 children in central Gaza. This marks the first polio case detected in Gaza in 25 years, underscoring the dire health situation in the conflict zone.The United States is reportedly working on a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal to break the deadlock. However, the situation remains tense, with Hamas rejecting any new initiatives and insisting on the implementation of a plan announced by US President Joe Biden on May 31.As the conflict persists, international pressure for a resolution continues to mount. The United Nations Security Council has urged both parties to reach an agreement, emphasizing that a negotiated ceasefire is the best way to rescue the remaining hostages and alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians. However, with both sides entrenched in their positions, a resolution to this protracted conflict remains elusive.
Key points
- Netanyahu insists on maintaining control over the Philadelphi Corridor, citing security concerns.
- Hamas rejects new proposals, demanding adherence to previously agreed terms.
- A polio outbreak in Gaza has prompted a large-scale WHO vaccination campaign.
- The US is working on a new ceasefire proposal amid growing international pressure for resolution.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports on the number of Palestinian casualties, with figures ranging from 41,000 to 410,000.
👾Some sources claim the US is considering negotiating directly with Hamas, bypassing Israel, while others report the US is working on a proposal involving both parties.
