The conflict between Hamas and Israel continues, with new efforts being made to reach a ceasefire agreement. Israel has given the green light for further discussions towards a truce in Gaza. The conditions set by Israel include the release of all hostages, with a focus on freeing women first. The aim is to end the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
The Emir of Qatar, Tamim ben Hamad Al-Thani, will be in Paris to discuss the negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. This visit emphasizes Qatar’s dedication to resolving the conflict and achieving peace in the region. French President Emmanuel Macron will hold talks with the Qatari Emir to advance the negotiations and address the issue of hostages still held in Gaza.
Despite the ceasefire discussions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to launch an offensive on the city of Rafah. This offensive is seen as a step towards a “total victory” for Israel, with Netanyahu confident that the operation in Rafah will lead to significant progress in the conflict. The target is to dismantle the last strongholds of Hamas in Gaza and ensure the safety of civilians during the offensive.
The United Nations has warned of a potential famine in Gaza if more humanitarian aid is not allowed to enter the enclave. The head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, has urged Israel to allow more aid agencies to provide assistance to the 2.2 million people in Gaza at risk of famine. The dire situation could lead to a sharp increase in infant mortality due to severe malnutrition, affecting one in six children under the age of two in the northern region of Gaza.
The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with at least 86 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours. This brings the total number of casualties to nearly 30,000 since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The majority of those killed are women and children, highlighting the devastating impact of the ongoing violence in Gaza. Additionally, tens of thousands of people have been injured since the conflict began on October 7.
