Israeli drone strikes in Rafah killed three Palestinians amid fragile ceasefire talks between Hamas and Egypt. Ongoing attacks have resulted in significant casualties, including many women. A heightened humanitarian crisis persists due to the blockade, prompting urgent negotiations for a comprehensive ceasefire.
Recent Israeli drone strikes in Rafah have resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians, intensifying violence during ongoing ceasefire discussions in Cairo between Hamas and Egyptian officials. On Saturday morning, the strikes targeted a group east of Rafah city, killing two individuals, while a third was killed due to Israeli fire in the nearby region of at-Tannour.
The area has faced extensive shelling from Israeli tanks and drones, impacting residential neighborhoods such as al-Jnaina, ash-Shawka, and Tal as-Sultan, as reported by the Palestinian news agency Wafa. Since October 7, 2023, Gaza’s Ministry of Health has released figures indicating that over 48,453 Palestinians have died and 111,860 have been injured due to Israeli assaults.
Highlighting a significant humanitarian crisis, Salama Maarouf from Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that 12,316 women have lost their lives since the conflict began. Maarouf emphasized that “Women’s Day coincides with the continuation of the Israeli siege and the prevention of aid as women live in catastrophic humanitarian conditions and suffer from starvation and thirst.”
In light of ongoing Israeli attacks, a Hamas delegation has traveled to Cairo to negotiate a potential ceasefire. Two senior members are poised to engage with Egyptian officials regarding future steps. Al Jazeera’s correspondent, Hind Khoudary, noted that anxiety among Palestinians is palpable as the current ceasefire agreement has expired, and they await updates on the situation.
The ongoing blockade significantly complicates life for Palestinians, with reports of diminishing resources for community kitchens. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a halt on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, claiming that it was in retaliation for Hamas not agreeing to extend the initial phase of the ceasefire. Additionally, over 50 former Israeli captives issued a plea to Netanyahu to secure a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and ensure the release of others held under similar conditions.
The situation in Gaza remains dire with escalating Israeli attacks leading to fatalities, especially among women, amidst fragile ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Egypt. The humanitarian crisis deepens due to the blockade, affecting basic needs, and there is significant public anxiety regarding the ceasefire’s status. Calls for comprehensive agreements to secure peace and the release of captives intensify as both conflicts and humanitarian needs rise.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
