Ceasefire Negotiations Slow as Israeli Air Strikes Cause Large Number of Casualties in Gaza
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, January 26 – The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has seen a slow advance in ceasefire negotiations, with Israeli air strikes continuing to cause a large number of casualties. According to reports, the heads of the CIA and the Israeli Intelligence and Secret Service (Mossad) are set to meet with officials from Qatar and Egypt in Europe to promote a ceasefire and the release of detained persons. However, sources have indicated that there are still major differences between the two parties, leading to a slow negotiation process.
On the same day, the Israeli military continued its air strikes on the Palestinian Gaza Strip, resulting in numerous casualties. Following a previous condemnation, US officials once again called on Israel to “must protect civilians.”
Multiple media sources have reported that Israel and Hamas are currently negotiating a one-month temporary ceasefire to exchange detainees, but disagreements persist on how to permanently end the conflict. Hamas has refused to agree to a permanent ceasefire until a temporary ceasefire negotiation is in place.
The Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on Monday resulted in the deaths of 20 people and injuries to about 150 others. The Palestinian side has accused the Israeli army of carrying out air strikes on those waiting to receive relief food, terming it a “war crime and genocide.”
Tensions have escalated further after the Israeli army asked about 30,000 people who had sought refuge in a United Nations training center in Khan Younis to evacuate. The area was previously hit by Israeli artillery shells, resulting in over 80 deaths.
In light of these developments, the United States has established new communication channels with Israel to express concern over the continued air strikes and casualties in the Gaza Strip. The U.S. has raised “specific incidents worthy of attention” to Israel through these new channels, putting pressure on Israel to take responsibility.
As the conflict rages on, the international community remains concerned about the escalating violence and the need to protect civilians in the region.