An Israeli delegation has arrived in Egypt to continue discussions on a cease-fire, while Israel and Hamas review the latest proposal, as reported by three Egyptian airport officials without elaborating further. Mediators from around the world are urging Israel and Hamas to consider a phased agreement that would stop the violence and release approximately 120 captives held by the militant group in Gaza.
Discussions were disrupted over the weekend after Israel claimed to have aimed at the Hamas military leader in a significant attack. Details about his condition are currently unknown.
The conflict began when Hamas launched an assault on October 7th, prompting militants to invade southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of roughly 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and the abduction of around 250. Since then, Israeli ground operations and bombings have led to the deaths of over 38,600 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry of the territory. The Ministry’s tally does not differentiate between combatants and non-combatants.
Israel has been accused of war crimes and genocide by two international courts – allegations that Israel has refuted. The majority of Gaza’s population, which amounts to 2.3 million people, reside in overcrowded tent camps located in central and southern areas of Gaza. Humanitarian aid efforts have been hampered by Israeli restrictions, ongoing conflict, and the breakdown of law and order, resulting in widespread hunger and concerns about potential famine.
In other news, the Israeli parliament has extended a temporary law permitting the government to shut down foreign media outlets that are deemed a threat to national security. The emergency law, which was granted final approval for extension until November 30 after a lengthy session lasting into the early hours of Thursday, was previously utilized to close Al Jazeera’s operations within Israel, including confiscating equipment, banning broadcasts, and blocking websites.
Furthermore, a recent Israeli airstrike in central Gaza killed at least 11 individuals, including women and children. The strike targeted a residential home, resulting in the deaths of six people in one incident, including children and women. Additionally, another strike on a vehicle led to the deaths of at least three individuals. Following an airstrike on a family home in Bureij, Gaza’s Civil Defense organization reported retrieving two deceased individuals and assisting seven injured individuals from the rubble.
Israel’s military reported targeting two commanders from the Islamic Jihad group, one of whom was from the naval forces and the other responsible for missile launches in Shujaiya.
