Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing ground operation of the Israeli army against the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released November 20, 2023. Israel Defense Forces/Handout via REUTERS
Amidst fierce clashes between Hamas gunmen and Israeli forces in Gaza’s largest refugee camp on Sunday, indications emerged that a potential deal to release some hostages held by Hamas was nearing fruition, as reported by U.S. and Israeli officials.
Approximately 240 hostages were seized during Hamas’s incursion into Israel on October 7, prompting a retaliatory Israeli invasion of the besieged Palestinian territory. While Israel claims to have gained control over significant portions of Gaza, Hamas contends that militants are engaging in guerrilla warfare in densely populated areas.
Despite ongoing hostilities, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, expressed optimism on ABC’s “This Week,” stating that a substantial number of hostages could be released by Hamas “in the coming days.” Earlier reports suggested Qatari mediators were brokering a deal for the release of 50 hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire to facilitate emergency aid shipments, with negotiations progressing but details still under discussion.
U.S. President Joe Biden refrained from specifying when the hostages might be released, stating, “I want to make sure they’re out, and then I’ll tell you.” Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani indicated that the remaining obstacles to a deal were now “very minor,” primarily revolving around “practical and logistical” issues.
While Israel prepared to expand its offensive in Gaza’s southern regions, the U.S. cautioned against such operations until the safety of Palestinian civilians was thoroughly considered. The civilian death toll in Gaza, currently at least 13,000, drew condemnation from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who reiterated the call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
As heavy fighting persisted in the Jabalia refugee camp, Israel urged residents to evacuate for their safety during a temporary military action pause. However, after the pause expired, an Israeli airstrike on a house in Jabalia resulted in 11 Palestinian casualties. The conflict’s toll on Gaza’s population remains a humanitarian concern, with Israel’s military asserting the use of civilian buildings by Hamas for military purposes.
The Israeli army’s occupation of Al Shifa, Gaza’s largest hospital, prompted a World Health Organization team to label it a “death zone.” Reports detailed signs of gunfire, shelling, and a mass grave at the hospital’s entrance, leading to plans for the evacuation of remaining patients and staff. Israeli forces claimed to be conducting a precise operation to uncover alleged terror infrastructure at the hospital.
Amid these developments, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported that 48 journalists and media workers have been confirmed killed in the region since the October 7 attack, underscoring the broader impact of the conflict on civilians and media personnel.
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