Israeli Airstrikes Intensify: Ceasefire Negotiations Underway in Gaza
The Israeli military escalated its aerial bombardment on Wednesday in the Gaza Strip, where it has already secured control of the strategic border crossing with Egypt, the host nation of the "last chance" talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire agreement linked to the release of hostages. This information was relayed by AFP and cited by Agerpres.
Early on Wednesday, witnesses reported airstrikes in various parts of the Palestinian territory, particularly in the city of Gaza (north), where the al-Ahli hospital confirmed the deaths of seven members of the same family, al-Louh, as a result of an aerial bombardment.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military deployed tanks to Rafah, seized control of the border crossing point with Egypt, and closed the two main access points for humanitarian aid (Rafah and Kerem Shalom). This action was deemed "unacceptable" by the United States.
These developments unfold as Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators engage in discussions in Cairo to broker a ceasefire following seven months of conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.
According to the Egyptian publication Al-Qahera News, "All parties agree to return to the negotiating table" for a ceasefire. White House spokesperson John Kirby expressed hope for an agreement "very soon," stating that Israel and Hamas "should be able to fill the remaining gaps" to finalise the ceasefire agreement currently under discussion.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the Israeli delegation in Cairo to "maintain firmness on the conditions necessary for the release of hostages, which are essential for Israel's security."
Deputy leader of Hamas's political wing in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that the proposal accepted by his faction includes three phases, each lasting 42 days. It entails an Israeli withdrawal from the territory, the repatriation of displaced persons, and an exchange of hostages between those detained in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners, with the aim of achieving a "permanent ceasefire."
Israel has thus far opposed a permanent ceasefire until Hamas, in power in the Gaza Strip since 2007, is "defeated."
The Israeli military is conducting a "counter-terrorism" operation in "specific areas" in the eastern city of Rafah, following the evacuation call for tens of thousands of families from the same sector hosting 1.4 million Palestinians, according to the UN. This evacuation was announced pending a ground offensive promised by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to eliminate Hamas's last battalions, as well as to "exert military pressure" on the Islamist movement to meet "Israeli demands."
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also warned on Tuesday that the army is prepared to "intensify" its operations "throughout the entire Gaza Strip" if there is no progress in terms of releasing hostages.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
