GAZA: The besieged Gaza Strip continues to witness relentless Israeli bombardment as the reported Palestinian death toll neared 30,000, as international mediators insisted a truce in the Israel-Hamas war could be just days away. Meanwhile, UN agencies sounded the alarm on dire humanitarian conditions, food shortages, and imminent famine.
Overnight Israeli bombardment in Gaza led to another 91 deaths, according to the territory’s health ministry. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have been intensively working to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. Reports suggest that a truce could be imminent, with a proposed six-week pause in the nearly five-month-long war.
Efforts to reach a deal include considerations such as the release of some Israeli hostages held in Gaza since October 7, in exchange for several hundred Palestinian detainees held by Israel. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, expressed hopefulness regarding the negotiations, aiming for an announcement before Thursday.
US President Joe Biden expressed optimism for a ceasefire by next Monday but acknowledged ongoing challenges in reaching an agreement.
While Doha proposes the cessation of hostilities before the beginning of Ramadan in March, Hamas has been advocating for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected this demand.
Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
As the conflict rages, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, with aid groups warning of an imminent famine in the northern region. The World Food Programme highlighted the desperate conditions, stating that no humanitarian aid has been able to reach the area for over a month, with Israel accused of obstructing access.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its military campaign, with recent airstrikes targeting areas in Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City. Domestically, pressure mounts on Netanyahu to secure the release of hostages, with Israeli citizens demanding government action.
International concern over media access and safety in Gaza grows, with more than 50 UK-based journalists calling for free access and better protection for reporters. UN reports indicate that at least 122 media workers have lost their lives since the conflict began.
