Efforts to secure a deal on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza are ongoing, despite dimming hopes for a truce during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Mossad chief David Barnea met with his US counterpart William Burns to promote a deal that would see hostages released. The intelligence agency stated that contacts and cooperation with the mediators continue in an effort to narrow the gaps and reach agreements.
Israel and Hamas have been trading blame over the apparent deadlock in talks leading up to Ramadan. A Hamas source mentioned that the group’s delegation was unlikely to visit Cairo for further discussions. Mediation efforts by Egypt, the United States, and Qatar have been ongoing since January. The last deal resulted in a week-long pause in fighting in November, during which hostages were released by both sides.
Hamas blames Israel for the impasse in negotiations for a longer ceasefire and the release of hostages believed to still be held in Gaza. The militant group refuses to give guarantees to end the war or pull its forces from the enclave. Mossad accused Hamas of digging its heels in and aiming for violence to escalate during Ramadan. Israeli officials have stated that the war will only end with the defeat of Hamas, whose demands have been labeled as delusional by Netanyahu.
In a statement marking Ramadan, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh vowed that Palestinians would continue to fight Israel until they regain freedom and independence. Health authorities in Gaza reported nearly 31,000 Palestinians killed and thousands more feared buried under rubble after five months of Israeli air and ground assault. The conflict was triggered by an attack by Hamas on southern Israel in October, resulting in casualties and hostages.
Israel intensified pressure on the last area of Gaza it had not yet invaded with ground forces by striking one of the largest residential towers in Rafah. The building was damaged, leaving dozens of families homeless. Residents reported chaos during the evacuation after Israel gave a 30-minute warning before the strike. The assault raised concerns among residents of a wider Israeli offensive on Rafah, where a significant portion of Gaza’s population is seeking shelter.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly due to Israel’s offensive, with much of the enclave reduced to rubble and most of its population displaced. The UN has warned of disease and starvation, with reports of deaths from malnutrition and dehydration. Relief efforts are underway, with a ship carrying supplies preparing to leave Cyprus for Gaza. The European Commission has announced plans for a maritime aid corridor between Cyprus and Gaza to start operating soon.
As efforts continue to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the situation remains tense with ongoing violence and displacement affecting the lives of civilians on both sides. The international community is closely monitoring developments and working towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.