Israeli airstrikes continue on Gaza amid ceasefire talks

Serious negotiations are underway between Israel, Hamas, and international mediators to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, where ongoing Israeli airstrikes continue to claim lives daily, media outlets reported. The talks, facilitated by Qatar and Egypt in Doha, have been described as the most significant in months, raising cautious optimism among stakeholders.

Hamas issued a statement on Tuesday indicating that a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement is achievable if Israel ceases imposing new conditions, Al Jazeera reported, adding that Israeli media sources have also expressed growing confidence that the diplomatic push, the strongest since August, could yield results.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire. Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday targeted Kamal Adwan Hospital’s intensive care unit, rendering it inoperative. Bombings in Deir el-Balah also caused casualties. The conflict’s toll continues to rise, with over 45,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023. A UN General Assembly resolution for Palestinian statehood garnered overwhelming support, though it faced opposition from Israel and the US.