GAZA: Palestinian resistance group Hamas said on Wednesday it would continue working towards achieving a ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip with Israel despite the absence of Israeli representatives from the latest round of talks in Cairo.
The Palestinian resistance group, along with mediators from Qatar and Egypt, is striving to reach a comprehensive agreement to halt the aggression against Gaza ahead of the holy month of Ramadan.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Hamas expressed willingness to demonstrate flexibility to achieve a cessation of hostilities. However, they lamented Israel’s reluctance to fully engage in the negotiation process, accusing them of evading the terms of the proposed agreement.
US President Joe Biden weighed in on the matter, emphasizing that the decision to accept a ceasefire rested with the Palestinian resistance group. The proposed deal entails the release of Israeli hostages held by the group since October 7, in exchange for a six-week ceasefire period and increased aid to Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation.
Israeli Forces Violence Against Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank
Despite the diplomatic efforts, tensions continued on the ground, with Israeli forces conducting a series of arrests in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Prisoner’s Society reported 25 arrests in the last 24 hours, bringing the total since October to 7,450.
Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza has reported a staggering toll of casualties from the months-long Israeli bombardment, with over 30,710 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed and more than 72,000 wounded. The ministry’s statement underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid, calling on Israeli authorities to open border crossings to facilitate the delivery of essential supplies.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian foreign ministry has condemned Israel’s obstruction of aid shipments, particularly in northern Gaza. Accusing Israel of perpetuating the occupation and exacerbating the suffering of the Palestinian people, the ministry demanded immediate action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis gripping the region.
