Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Thursday that his Cabinet will not convene to ratify a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip until Hamas demonstrates compliance, accusing the organization of violating parts of the agreement in hopes of extracting additional concessions. The specifics of the concerns raised by the Prime Minister’s office were not detailed.
As the situation unfolds, Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip have claimed the lives of at least 72 individuals since the announcement of the ceasefire arrangement, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. Reports from Gaza indicate that Israeli bombardments intensified overnight, occurring while Palestinians were poised to celebrate the announcement of the truce. Historically, both Israel and Hamas have increased military operations during the lead-up to ceasefires as a means of signaling strength.
The proposed ceasefire is anticipated to commence on Sunday, which includes the release of 33 hostages over the coming six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians detained by Israel. A second phase of negotiations is expected to address the release of remaining captives, including male soldiers. Hamas has made it clear that no further hostages will be released without a complete ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from the region.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Gaza, with over 46,000 reported deaths, primarily among women and children, according to health officials. However, the Ministry has not disclosed how many of the deceased were combatants. Israel claims to have eliminated over 17,000 fighters but has not provided supporting evidence for these figures.
Here are the latest updates:
The Israeli military revealed on Thursday that it had conducted 50 airstrikes in Gaza in the last day, targeting locations affiliated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including storage facilities for weapons, rocket launch sites, and other military infrastructure, though without presenting evidence for its claims.
Displaced individuals in Gaza, particularly those in central regions like Deir al-Balah, have expressed shock at the lack of Israeli agreement to the ceasefire. A resident named Karam Moeiliq remarked on the disappointment, stating that the struggle has affected everyone. Families previously hopeful to return home are now facing uncertainty. Resident Omar Jendiya appealed to Hamas to engage with mediators to facilitate an end to hostilities, emphasizing the toll of destruction and loss.
Since the announcement of the ceasefire, the death toll in Gaza has risen, with at least 72 reported casualties. The anticipated ceasefire is schedule to begin on Sunday. Displaced individuals, like Fayqa Hussein from the Jabaliya refugee camp, expressed their yearning for peace and security for their children, hoping for a chance to restore their lives.
In regional developments, Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, undertook a significant visit to Syria, making the trip the first of its sort since Assad’s governmental changes. He pledged Qatari support for Syria’s recovery and urged the international community to remove sanctions imposed on the country. This visit comes on the heels of the ceasefire announcement. Al Thani emphasized a new era for Syria and criticized Israeli forces for remaining in a U.N.-monitored buffer zone in the country.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that airstrikes have resulted in at least 72 fatalities since the ceasefire negotiations were publicized. Historical patterns show that both groups typically escalate military actions just before ceasefires take effect. The ministry noted that its reported death toll reflects only those brought to hospital facilities, suggesting actual numbers may be greater.
In Israel, a demonstration occurred against the ceasefire deal hosted by a group representing families of soldiers killed in combat. The Gvura Forum voiced its opposition, asserting that the agreement would not bring about Hamas’ end and would potentially release individuals convicted of harming Israelis. They staged a protest featuring mock coffins to symbolize potential consequences of the deal.
In Moscow, Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed optimism regarding the ceasefire agreement, appreciating the mediation efforts from Qatari and Egyptian authorities. The spokesperson conveyed hopes that the agreement could lead to long-term stability in Gaza, facilitating the return of displaced persons and enabling the reunion of hostages and prisoners with their families. Further encouragement came from Kremlin officials, affirming that any agreements leading to peace in the region should be welcomed.
Families in Gaza held a funeral service for a Palestinian journalist killed in an Israeli airstrike shortly before the ceasefire announcement. The airstrikes occurred as residents awaited confirmation of the truce. Mourners lamented the missed opportunity for peace and expressed anguish over the loss of life.
China’s government has positively received the announcement of the ceasefire and emphasized its commitment to providing humanitarian aid while calling for a comprehensive and lasting truce in Gaza. The Chinese Foreign Ministry declared a readiness to cooperate internationally to enhance peace and stability throughout the Middle East.
The leader of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia, Harakat al-Nujaba, indicated a temporary cessation of operations against Israel in response to the ceasefire agreement but cautioned that retaliatory actions may resume if the ceasefire is breached.
Syria’s new foreign minister has called for the lifting of sanctions imposed during the Assad regime, indicating a desire for improved international relations. Meanwhile, Indonesia has welcomed the ceasefire and emphasized the necessity of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state as part of the peace process.
Lastly, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has labeled the ceasefire “a great victory” for Hamas, asserting that it was a significant setback for Israel. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterated this sentiment, underscoring the resilience of the Palestinian resistance against the backdrop of the ceasefire outcome. Pakistan also welcomed the truce, condemning Israel for the heavy civilian toll and advocating for humanitarian assistance to be scaled up in Gaza.
Conversely, Japan and South Korea have expressed favorable views regarding the ceasefire, emphasizing its potential to improve humanitarian conditions and seeking sincere implementation from all parties involved.
