An Israeli air strike killed three Palestinian men in Gaza as ceasefire talks remain stagnant. Subsequent strikes raised the death toll, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a blockade. Negotiations led by mediators continue amidst tensions over hostages and conditions of the ceasefire, with rising concerns for Gaza’s population.
In recent developments, an Israeli air strike on Monday resulted in the deaths of three Palestinian men in Gaza, highlighting the ongoing fragility of the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. These men, from the same family, were gathering firewood when they were targeted. Residents report that, due to Israel’s ongoing restrictions on fuel, food, and medical supplies, many Gazans have resorted to such tasks for daily survival.
Further escalation occurred as another air strike killed a father and son inside a school in Bureij camp, raising the day’s death toll to five. Israel maintains that these strikes were aimed at individuals threatening their forces, while officials from Hamas accuse Israel of undermining peace efforts during ongoing negotiations.
Since the ceasefire in January, the conflict has resulted in 150 Palestinian deaths, with mounting distress as the blockade enters its third week. Food shortages and rising prices lead to the closure of several bakeries, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in a territory already affected by displacement and destruction due to the ongoing war.
Currently, Israel seeks to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire, with backing from US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators. Hamas, however, insists on resuming negotiations for a more comprehensive agreement. Furthermore, a potential exchange of hostages, including American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, remains on the table, contingent upon progress towards the next phase of the ceasefire.
The situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing air strikes exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid stalled ceasefire negotiations. The Israeli military’s actions have drawn condemnation from Hamas, which claims that Israel’s tactics could derail potential peace agreements. As discussions proceed under the mediation of international parties, the pressing need for humanitarian relief and lasting stability in the region remains evident.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
