Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump suggested yesterday that they are stepping back from ceasefire talks with Hamas in Gaza, both stating it has become evident that the Palestinian fighters are not seeking an agreement.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel is now considering “alternative” approaches to accomplish its objectives of retrieving its captives from Gaza and putting an end to Hamas’ control in the area, where hunger is increasing and the majority of the population is displaced due to extensive destruction.
Mr Trump stated he thought Hamas leaders would now be “pursued,” as he informed journalists at the White House: “Hamas truly didn’t wish to reach an agreement. I believe they desire death. And it’s extremely unfortunate. And it has come to a stage where you must complete the task.”
The comments seemed to offer minimal opportunity, at least in the near future, to restart talks to halt the conflict, as global worry increases regarding deteriorating food shortages in the war-ravaged Gaza region.
French President Emmanuel Macron, in response to the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stated on Thursday that Paris will acknowledge an independent Palestinian state.
The United Kingdom and Germany stated they were not yet prepared to do so, but subsequently aligned with France in demanding an immediate halt to hostilities.
Mr Trump rejected Mr Macron’s action. “What he says isn’t important,” he mentioned to journalists at the White House. “He’s a very nice person. I like him, but that comment doesn’t hold any significance.”
Israel and the United States pulled their delegations out of the ceasefire negotiations in Qatar on Thursday, shortly after Hamas provided its reply to a peace proposal.
Initial reports indicated that the Israeli withdrawal was solely for discussions and did not automatically imply the negotiations had hit a deadlock. However, Mr. Netanyahu’s statements implied that Israel’s stance had become more rigid overnight.
US representative Steve Witkoff stated last night that Hamas was responsible for the deadlock, and Mr. Netanyahu mentioned that Mr. Witkoff was correct.
A senior Hamas figure named Basem Naim stated on Facebook that the discussions were productive, and he condemned Mr Witkoff’s comments as being intended to apply pressure on Israel.
“What we have put forward – with full knowledge and comprehension of the situation’s intricacies – we think has the potential to result in an agreement if the opposing side had the desire to achieve one,” he stated.
Qatar and Egypt, the mediators, mentioned that there had been some advancement in the most recent discussions. They noted that pauses are a typical aspect of the procedure and they remain dedicated to persisting in efforts to achieve a truce in collaboration with the United States.
The suggested truce would halt hostilities for 60 days, facilitate increased assistance reaching Gaza, and release some of the 50 remaining captives held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees currently imprisoned in Israel.
It has been delayed due to disputes about the extent of Israel’s troop withdrawal and what will happen after the 60 days if a lasting agreement isn’t finalized.
The far-right national security minister in Mr. Netanyahu’s government, Itamar Ben-Gvir, demanded a complete stop to aid for Gaza and full control over the area, stating on X: “Total destruction of Hamas, promote migration, (Jewish) settlement.”
International relief groups state that widespread food shortages have now affected the 2.2 million residents of Gaza, as supplies are dwindling following Israel’s complete cessation of aid deliveries to the area in March, which were later resumed in May but under stricter conditions.
The Israeli defense forces stated yesterday that they have consented to allow nations to conduct air drops of supplies into Gaza. Hamas rejected this as a publicity move.
“The Gaza Strip doesn’t require aerial acrobatics; it requires an open humanitarian passage and a consistent daily supply of aid vehicles to preserve the lives of the encircled, starving residents,” said Ismail Al-Thawabta, head of the Hamas-controlled Gaza government media office.
Gaza’s health officials reported that nine more Palestinians have passed away in the past 24 hours due to malnutrition or starvation. Many more have died in recent weeks as food shortages have increased.
Israel claims it has allowed sufficient food into Gaza and blames the United Nations for not distributing it, which the Israeli foreign ministry described yesterday as “a deliberate attempt to tarnish Israel’s reputation.”
The UN claims it is functioning to the best of its ability despite Israeli limitations. UN organizations stated yesterday that supplies of specialized therapeutic food are depleting, which is essential for saving the lives of children affected by severe acute malnutrition.
Ceasefire negotiations have taken place alongside ongoing Israeli military actions on the ground. Palestinian health authorities reported that Israeli air strikes and gunfire resulted in the deaths of at least 21 individuals within the area yesterday, including five who were killed in an attack on a school that was providing refuge to displaced families in Gaza City.
Residents in the city carried the body of journalist Adam Abu Harbid through the streets, wrapped in a white shroud, with his blue flak jacket labeled “PRESS” covering his body. He died during an attack on tents where displaced individuals were staying.
Mahmoud Awadia, a different journalist present at the funeral, claimed the Israelis were intentionally aiming to harm reporters.
Israel refutes claims of deliberately attacking reporters.
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