Truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas are set to recommence in Cairo on Sunday, as efforts continue to achieve a cessation of hostilities after nearly six months of conflict in the Gaza Strip. Talks will be mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with Hamas seeking a halt to Israeli military operations in exchange for the release of some of the Palestinian hostages still held by the group.
However, Israel has rejected Hamas’s demands for a complete withdrawal of its forces, insisting instead on maintaining efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and governance structures. Additionally, Hamas is pressing for the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to areas they fled during the conflict. Anti-government demonstrations erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Saturday as the conflict in Gaza nears its six-month milestone and over 100 hostages remain captive. In Tel Aviv, protesters obstructed the city’s ring road while advocating for early elections and demanding the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Meanwhile, in Jerusalem, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, holding his right-wing government responsible for failing to secure the release of the approximately 130 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, with 33 of them presumed deceased.
Israeli police stated on social media that they were actively working to maintain public order as protesters obstructed major thoroughfares.
Despite ongoing negotiations, violence persists, with the Gaza health ministry reporting numerous Palestinian casualties, including patients stranded without basic necessities in Gaza City’s Al Shifa hospital, which has become a focal point of fighting. Israeli forces claim to have targeted armed Hamas commanders within the hospital premises, while Hamas denies any armed presence and accuses Israel of targeting civilians.
In recent days, the United States has approved the transfer of large quantities of bombs and fighter jets to Israel, according to two sources familiar with the matter. This decision comes even as the U.S. publicly expresses concerns about the potential for an Israeli military operation in Rafah.
The newly authorized arms packages include over 1,800 MK84 2,000-pound bombs and 500 MK82 500-pound bombs, as reported by the Washington Post and confirmed by the sources. Washington provides Israel with $3.8 billion in annual military assistance, underscoring the strong alliance between the two countries.
The move came amid heightened international scrutiny of Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza. Some members of President Joe Biden’s party have called for a reassessment of U.S. military aid to Israel, criticizing the perceived impunity granted to Israel.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, with Hamas militants launching attacks on Israel. In response, Israel initiated an air and ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
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