Gaza mediators seek to halt war
The US, along with Arab mediators, from Egypt and Qatar have double-downed on efforts to halt the war along the Gaza strip. At least 16 Palestinians are thought to have died in Israeli airstrikes overnight. According to Middle East Online, sources near the talks in Cairo, have said an agreement may be signed in upcoming days on a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza in return for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Medics stated an Israeli airstrike has killed at least 10 people in a house in the northern town of Beit Lahiya, where army forces have operated since October.
READ:EU considers next steps for Gaza and Israel settlers
On December 18 2024, a Palestinian official stated mediators had narrowed gaps on most of the agreement, however, Israel has introduced conditions which Hamas has rejected. He had no further comment on this.
This comes after many rounds of talks during the past year, all of which have been unsuccessful, with Israel demanding their retention of a military presence in Gaza, and Hamas` refusal to release hostages until Israel removes their troops from Gaza.
READ:At least 33 Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza
The war in Gaza, was originally ignited by a Hamas-led attack on communities in southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and saw over 250 people held hostage.
Conversely, Israel’s campaign has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, displaced a majority of the 2.3 million population, leaving them homeless, reducing most of Gaza to rubble.
Middle East Online
