CAIRO: Israel launched airstrikes on Gaza on Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the army will destroy Palestinian resistance despite ongoing Cairo talks towards a ceasefire and hostage deal, AFP reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to dismantle Hamas despite the diplomatic efforts underway. Meanwhile, Palestinian factions, including Hamas, are deliberating over a new proposal for a temporary truce, introduced during talks facilitated by US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators.
The proposed truce entails a cessation of hostilities for six weeks, the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody, and the facilitation of aid entry into Gaza, with up to 500 trucks per day, according to a Hamas source familiar with the negotiations.
While the Palestinian resistance group expressed appreciation for the mediators’ efforts, they accused Israel of failing to address their longstanding demands, including a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Netanyahu, despite mounting pressure from the United States, affirmed Israel’s determination to continue airstrikes on Gaza. He also announced plans for Israeli forces to advance into Rafah, a city on the southern border of Gaza with Egypt, despite international concerns about the safety of civilians in the area.
US officials reiterated their objections to the potential military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the grave humanitarian consequences it could entail. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller emphasized the potential harm to civilians and Israel’s security interests.
The aftermath of the bloodiest Gaza war in history was evident in the southern city of Khan Younis, where displaced Palestinians returned to a landscape of destruction. Amidst preparations for the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of Ramadan, Palestinians confronted the devastating sight of demolished buildings, bomb craters, and widespread devastation.
Since October 7, at least 33,360 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in the relentless Israeli bombardment campaign. Additionally, the siege imposed by Israel has pushed Gaza’s population to the brink of famine, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Amidst escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns, Israel allowed a record number of aid trucks into Gaza on Monday, responding to heightened international pressure to address the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.
