(Image source from: REUTERS)
The Israeli government stated that its intelligence chief will attend discussions about a ceasefire in Gaza, and Hamas vowed to stop fighting if a truce is reached. After previous failed attempts, efforts to end the year-long war appear to be gaining momentum. A senior Hamas official said the group's leadership in Doha discussed proposals related to a Gaza truce with Egyptian officials in Cairo. Hamas expressed willingness to stop the fighting, but they demand that Israel commit to a ceasefire, withdraw from Gaza, allow the return of displaced people, agree to a prisoner exchange, and permit humanitarian aid into Gaza. The talks in Cairo were part of Egypt's ongoing efforts to resume ceasefire negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he welcomes Egypt's readiness to reach an agreement for the release of hostages held by Gaza militants.
Qatar is set to host discussions to advance various initiatives on the agenda, according to the prime minister's office. Earlier, the United States and Qatar announced that ceasefire talks for Gaza will resume in the Qatari capital. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Qatari leaders in Doha on Thursday, during his 11th trip to the region since the Gaza war began after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Blinken said that mediators will explore new options, seeking a plan that allows for Israel's withdrawal, prevents Hamas from regaining strength, and enables the Palestinian people to rebuild their lives and futures. Qatar stated that US and Israeli teams will travel to Doha, and the Qatari mediators have re-engaged with Hamas since the death of Sinwar, who was seen as a key obstacle to a deal for the release of 97 hostages still held in Gaza, 34 of whom the Israeli military considers dead. The organizations are working to negotiate a deal to release the remaining captives. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum warned that the situation is becoming urgent.
Blinken arrived late Thursday in London, where he will meet with the foreign ministers of Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, two key partners in a plan for Gaza after the war. He will also meet with Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss the conflict in that country. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues to pressure Hamas, launching an operation in northern Gaza where many civilians are trapped. Over 770 people have been killed in the northern region since the operation began 19 days ago, and the toll may rise as more victims are found in the rubble. A strike on a school-turned-shelter in central Gaza killed 17 people, with the Israeli military claiming it was targeting Hamas militants. A Palestinian woman described hugging her daughter and being unable to see through the thick smoke after the strike.
The civil defence agency in northern Gaza can no longer provide first responder services, accusing Israeli forces of threatening to attack and kill their crews. Israel's military claims its assault aims to destroy the capabilities that Hamas is trying to rebuild in the north. The Gaza war began in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, resulting in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel's retaliation has killed 42,847 people in Gaza, the majority civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. After almost a year of war in Gaza, Israel expanded its focus to Lebanon a month ago, launching a massive bombing campaign targeting Hezbollah strongholds and sending in ground troops. The war in Lebanon has killed at least 1,580 people since September 23, according to Lebanese health ministry figures. Three children were among the 12 people who tragically lost their lives in the Israeli airstrikes that hit two villages in eastern Lebanon on Thursday.
About half an hour later, Israel, a Hezbollah stronghold, issued an evacuation warning. Israel said five of its soldiers were killed in fighting in southern Lebanon, where there have been daily clashes with Hezbollah militants since the start of the ground offensive. Hezbollah said it attacked Israeli troops and positions in northern Israel, as well as troops inside the Lebanese border. The war has led to a massive displacement crisis in Lebanon, which has been suffering from political and economic crisis for years. The French government announced at a conference in Paris on Thursday that it had collected $800 million in aid for cash-strapped Lebanon.
