Israel and Hamas continue ceasefire and hostage negotiations
In the ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, Israel is set to review Hamas’s latest response in talks, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office. A delegation is expected to travel to Qatar early next week for further discussions.
While some progress has been made in the mediation efforts, a diplomat familiar with the discussions warned that convincing Israel to accept Hamas’s terms will not be easy. Meanwhile, relatives of the hostages gathered in protest outside the Israeli military headquarters, urging the government to take action.
In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved action plans in Rafah, with the Israeli Defense Forces preparing for the same. The White House, however, has not seen any plans related to Rafah from Israel.
Additionally, a Spanish aid ship arrived in Gaza, carrying 200 tons of humanitarian aid. The aid is being distributed to those in need in the Sheikh Ajleen neighborhood in Gaza City.
Meanwhile, the United Nations children’s agency reported a concerning increase in rates of acute malnutrition among children in northern Gaza, with at least 23 children dying from malnutrition and dehydration in recent weeks.
On the topic of violence in Kuwait Square, the Israel Defense Forces denied responsibility for the incident, stating that they did not open fire on the aid convoy. The IDF released a video showing Palestinian gunmen allegedly opening fire amid Gaza civilians, though the content cannot be independently verified.
In the US, President Joe Biden praised Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s speech criticizing Netanyahu, calling it “good” and expressing serious concern shared by many Americans. However, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called Schumer’s speech a contradiction to American policy and urged the White House not to follow that path.
The situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, with ongoing negotiations and humanitarian efforts taking place. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.