An Israeli delegation led by spy chief David Barnea has traveled to Qatar after Hamas proposed new ideas for a truce agreement, sparking hope for an end to the conflict in Gaza. Talks between the two sides are set to resume next week, although there are still gaps in their positions. The recent proposal from Hamas has been met with a positive response by mediators, while the official Israeli position remains unclear.
The conflict in Gaza, which has lasted for nine months, has resulted in the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians, according to Al Jazeera. Despite some progress, obstacles remain in reaching a ceasefire and captive-exchange deal. Both Israel and Hamas are under pressure to reach a deal, although talks surrounding a United Nations-backed plan have stalled.
Fighting continued in Gaza on Friday, with Israeli forces targeting southern cities and northern Gaza City. The Qassam Brigades claimed to have killed 10 Israeli soldiers in an ambush, but Israel did not immediately comment on the claim. Tensions also remained high on the Lebanon-Israel border, with Hezbollah targeting Israeli military positions.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with nearly 500,000 people facing hunger and overcrowded conditions. The European Union has warned that Israeli orders for forced evacuations will worsen the humanitarian crisis. EU officials have called for a ceasefire to allow for humanitarian assistance and the release of hostages. The conflict in Gaza continues to have devastating impacts on the civilian population, further emphasizing the need for a lasting peace agreement.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com