An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed three Palestinian men, marking a continuation of violence despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The blockade on essential supplies has led to a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with rising food prices and closure of bakeries. Negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US are ongoing, but both parties face accusations of undermining the ceasefire agreement.
On Monday, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza resulted in the deaths of three men from the same family, highlighting the continuing violence amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The victims had gone to gather firewood, a necessity for many Gazans due to Israel’s blockade of essential supplies, including food and fuel, which has been in place for over two weeks.
The Israeli military justified the strike by labeling the victims as “terrorists” who were allegedly trying to plant a bomb near Israeli forces. Witnesses reported that as family members rushed to help the injured, more strikes targeted them, leading to an additional airstrike that killed a father and son in a school sheltering displaced families. The total number of fatalities for that day reached five.
Ismail Al-Thawabta from the Hamas media office warned that Israeli actions could undermine ongoing de-escalation efforts, citing 150 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire commenced in January. Israel asserts its military operations are necessary to thwart bomb threats against its forces.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens with the blockade, depriving 2.3 million residents of vital resources. The situation has forced many bakeries to close, leading to rising food prices and potential clean water shortages.
Negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US are ongoing, with Israel seeking to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire. Hamas has indicated it will only release hostages under the second phase of the agreement, while both parties accuse each other of attempting to undermine the negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office is preparing for continued discussions based on US proposals aimed at addressing hostage situations, amid reports of Hamas’s initial raid on Israel, which marked the beginning of the current conflict that has already resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas sees escalating violence, with airstrikes leading to casualties among Gazans as ceasefire negotiations continue. The humanitarian crisis worsens amid a blockade that restricts essential goods. Both parties are engaged in delicate negotiations, but mutual accusations and conflicting terms threaten progress. The situation remains critical as casualties mount and humanitarian needs grow in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
