Gaza Conflict Intensifies Amid Fragile Ceasefire Talks

 

Israeli airstrikes have intensified in Gaza, resulting in at least 38 Palestinian deaths, including 20 in Gaza City and 18 in Muwasi. These strikes occurred as Israel prepared for ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, aiming for a 60-day truce involving partial release of Hamas-held hostages and increased humanitarian aid. Despite Israel's approval of aid to northern Gaza, which has been suffering severe shortages, and its targeting of 130 sites across Gaza, disagreements persist in ceasefire talks. Hamas demands a complete end to the war and Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu insists on continuing operations to dismantle Hamas' capabilities. The ongoing war, which began in October 2023 after a Hamas attack, has claimed over 57,000 Palestinian lives, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.