The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has witnessed a significant escalation in violence, with at least 26 people killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza. The death toll includes several children and four people seeking aid.
According to reports, Israeli forces have intensified their attacks on Gaza City, forcing starving Palestinians to flee. The violence comes amid a ceasefire proposal presented by Qatar and Egypt, which Hamas has agreed to.
The proposal includes a 60-day truce, during which military operations would be suspended, and humanitarian aid would be allowed to flow into Gaza.
An Egyptian official source revealed that the period of suspension would see the exchange of Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of half of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. This development has sparked optimism that a long-awaited breakthrough in negotiations could be close.
The Gaza Strip is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 62,004 people killed and 156,230 wounded since the start of the Israeli violence and war.
The conflict has also led to a significant displacement of people, with many forced to flee their homes multiple times.
The United Nations has warned that the situation in Gaza has become “apocalyptic,” with the entire Palestinian population at imminent risk of death due to the lack of basic necessities like food, water, and shelter.
UNRWA has reported that 360 of its staff have been killed in Gaza during the war, including several while on the job, and hundreds more have been injured.
The agency has also warned that the suspension of visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza by the US will block children from receiving urgent medical care.
While Hamas has agreed to the ceasefire proposal, Israeli officials have yet to officially respond.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz claims Hamas came back to the Gaza ceasefire talks because the Israeli military is carrying out its plan to seize the northern parts of the enclave.
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has expressed opposition to the ceasefire efforts, stating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “has no mandate to pursue a partial deal.”
US President Donald Trump has voiced support for expanding Israel’s military operations in the Palestinian territory, saying Hamas must be “confronted and destroyed.”
In contrast, the Arab League has proposed an alternative plan for the future governance of Gaza, which has received backing from the UK and other countries.