The conflict in Gaza continues to escalate, with the Palestinian Ministry of Health reporting that the death toll has reached 40,878 since October 7, 2023. In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli forces reportedly carried out two attacks resulting in 17 deaths and 56 injuries. The ongoing violence has displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.Amidst the conflict, negotiations for a ceasefire have reached an impasse. Hamas is calling for a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, including the Philadelphia Corridor, and a prisoner exchange deal. Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, stated, ‘We will not allow any agreement that diminishes the Palestinian people’s right, or gives legitimacy to the Israeli occupation’s presence in Gaza’.Hamas has urged the US administration to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adhere to previous agreements. Al-Hayya emphasized, ‘If the American government and its President Biden really want to achieve a ceasefire and conclude a prisoner exchange, they have to leave their blind inclination to the Zionist occupation and exert real pressure on Netanyahu and his government’.However, Netanyahu denies reports of being close to an agreement, stating in an interview with Fox News that Hamas ‘systematically’ rejects ‘all and each’ of the measures put on the table. He insists on maintaining control of the Philadelphia Corridor, arguing that it ‘prevents Gaza from becoming again an Iranian terrorist enclave’.The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with concerns about access to medical care, clean water, and sanitation facilities. The ongoing conflict and blockade continue to hinder efforts to address these urgent needs, raising fears of potential disease outbreaks and further deterioration of living conditions for Gaza’s residents.
Key points
- The death toll in Gaza has reached 40,878 since October 7, 2023, with 17 new deaths reported in the past 24 hours.
- Hamas is calling for a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a prisoner exchange deal.
- Netanyahu denies being close to an agreement, insisting on maintaining control of the Philadelphia Corridor.
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with concerns about access to medical care and basic necessities.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the progress of ceasefire negotiations.
While some sources suggest there is 90% agreement, Netanyahu denies any immediate prospects for an agreement.
