A fire burns inside a Palestinian house during the ongoing Israeli military operation, amid Israel-Hamas conflict, in Beit Lahiya, in the northern Gaza St. REUTERS/Stringer
Progress Toward Gaza Ceasefire Gains Momentum Amid Ongoing Violence
The United States, supported by Arab mediators, intensified efforts on Wednesday to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to end the 14-month conflict in the Gaza Strip. The push comes as medics reported that overnight Israeli airstrikes killed at least 20 Palestinians.
Negotiations Narrow Remaining Gaps
A Palestinian official close to the Cairo-based negotiations indicated progress, stating that mediators had addressed most contentious points in the proposed agreement. However, new conditions introduced by Israel were reportedly rejected by Hamas, though specifics were not disclosed.
On Tuesday, sources suggested a potential agreement within days, involving a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
Continued Violence and Humanitarian Impact
Israeli airstrikes reportedly targeted multiple areas across Gaza, including:
- Beit Lahiya: A strike on a house killed 10 people.
- Beit Hanoun: Four people died in an airstrike on a home.
- Gaza City, Nuseirat Camp, and Rafah: Separate airstrikes claimed six lives.
The Israeli military has intensified operations in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahiya, and Jabalia camp since October, citing the need to disrupt Hamas regrouping efforts. Palestinians have accused Israel of conducting “ethnic cleansing” to depopulate northern Gaza for a buffer zone—an allegation Israel denies.
In Jabalia, shelling near Al-Awda Hospital caused damage, injuring seven medics and one patient. Meanwhile, in the Bureij camp, evacuation orders prompted families to flee amid ongoing rocket fire from militants.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have ramped up mediation efforts ahead of President Joe Biden’s departure from office. CIA Director William Burns arrived in Doha for discussions with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, aiming to bridge remaining gaps.
In Jerusalem, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with Adam Boehler, President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs. Trump has vowed severe consequences if hostages are not released by January 20, the day he assumes office.
Challenges to Reaching an Agreement
Negotiations face recurring obstacles. Israel demands maintaining a military presence in Gaza, while Hamas insists on a full withdrawal before releasing hostages. Despite numerous rounds of talks over the past year, these conditions have prevented a resolution.
The Human Toll of the Conflict
The war began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and abducting more than 250 as hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, and devastated much of the territory’s infrastructure.
As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, hopeful that the latest efforts can bring an end to the devastating conflict.
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