GAZA: Efforts to hammer out a temporary ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip intensified on Tuesday after months of relentless Israeli attacks that have devastated the Palestinian territory and pushed hundreds of thousands to the brink of famine.
A UN-backed assessment warned that 300,000 people in Gaza’s north could face famine by May without urgent aid. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the dire need for humanitarian assistance for all residents of Gaza.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk attributed the hunger crisis to Israeli actions, accusing them of blocking aid and potentially using starvation as a method of war. Israeli troops continued their assault on Gaza’s largest hospital, alleging it is being used for military purposes.
Israeli spy chief David Barnea’s visit to Qatar for talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators signaled renewed efforts for a ceasefire after previous attempts failed to secure one for the holy month of Ramadan. Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations but refrained from announcing any breakthroughs.
Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Doha
A proposal for a six-week ceasefire by a Palestinian resistance group Hamas, coupled with increased aid and the release of hostages, offered a potential path towards de-escalation. However, technical talks and counter-proposals are still ongoing.
Since October, Israel’s relentless bombardment in Gaza has killed more than 31,800 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
US President Joe Biden and his administration are engaged in diplomatic efforts to pressure Israel to halt a threatened ground assault on Rafah. The city, already under heavy bombardment, has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands fleeing conflict in other parts of Gaza.
Amidst the turmoil, Gaza residents mourned the loss of loved ones and struggled to observe Ramadan traditions amidst the violence. The situation was described as dire, with one resident comparing the traditional pre-dawn meal to “blood.”
Meanwhile, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed the death of senior Hamas official Marwan Issa. Israeli forces continued their military operations near Gaza’s hospital compound, raising concerns for the safety of displaced civilians and the sick.
The ongoing conflict has sparked international condemnation, with previous Israeli raids on Al-Shifa Hospital drawing widespread criticism.
