Israel launches military operation in Gaza, killing nine Palestinians

Egypt Hosts Talks with Hamas and Other Palestinian Factions Amid Ongoing Violence in Gaza

A new round of talks between Egyptian officials, mediators from Qatar and Turkey, and representatives from the Board of Peace has begun in Cairo, aimed at salvaging a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The discussions are expected to last for several days.

According to sources, at least nine people have been killed and dozens injured across the Gaza Strip since dawn, with reports of strikes on police posts, residential areas, and public spaces. The Israeli military has also continued to expand its control over the Gaza Strip, currently holding about 64% of the territory, up from the 53% envisioned under the ceasefire agreement.

The talks come after a two-year period of war, during which major fighting has been paused since last October. However, no agreement has been reached on implementing a further US-backed plan for Israeli troops to withdraw and Hamas to disarm.

Hamas representatives have emphasized the need for an end to Israeli attacks in Gaza as a precondition for any progress. The group’s leadership has stated that comprehensive discussions with other Palestinian factions will determine the fate of its military arsenal.

Since last October, about 947 Palestinians have been killed and over 2,900 injured in continued Israeli attacks. Hamas fighters have also killed four Israeli soldiers during this period. The Israeli military has been accused of forcing the displacement of Palestinians and leveling remaining buildings under its control.

The talks follow a previous phase of the ceasefire agreement, which saw Hamas release all remaining captives in exchange for some Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. However, the transition to the second phase, which would have seen Hamas disarm and Israeli forces withdraw from Palestinian territory, has been stalled for months due to disagreements on key sticking points.

The conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, with at least 72,971 people killed and nearly 1.9 million displaced since Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza began.

Source: Al Jazeera