Israeli drone strikes in Rafah have resulted in three Palestinian deaths amid fragile ceasefire negotiations in Cairo between Hamas and Egypt. Intense military assaults have increased humanitarian crises, with significant casualties reported since October. A Hamas delegation has recently arrived in Cairo to discuss potential ceasefire resolutions, amid worries about ongoing blockades affecting essential aid and living conditions.
Israeli airstrikes in Rafah resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians and left several others injured amidst ongoing ceasefire discussions in Cairo between Hamas and Egyptian officials. The drone strikes targeted individuals in Rafah, leading to the demise of two and an additional fatality reported in at-Tannour, as intense military actions intensified in the region.
Since Friday, Rafah has faced significant assaults from Israeli tanks and drones, impacting residential areas such as al-Jnaina, ash-Shawka, and Tal as-Sultan, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The Gaza Ministry of Health reports devastating statistics, with over 48,453 Palestinians killed and approximately 111,860 injured due to Israeli operations since October 7, 2023. Additionally, a report highlighted that 12,316 women have died during the conflict.
Salama Maarouf, head of the enclave’s Government Media Office, emphasized the dire circumstances faced by women under the current siege, stating that they endure starvation and harsh living conditions. Government statistics also indicate that around 2,000 women and girls have suffered permanent disabilities from amputations due to the ongoing violence.
In an effort to address the fragile ceasefire, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to engage in talks regarding the future cessation of hostilities. Two senior Hamas members are part of this delegation, which is expected to meet with Egyptian officials. Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the Palestinian population regarding the status of the ceasefire as the current truce approaches its end.
Palestinian correspondent Hind Khoudary reported the anxiety among residents awaiting news on the ceasefire, highlighting how the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid exacerbates their already precarious situation. Many are deprived of basic necessities, with available resources in community kitchens dwindling. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously stated that humanitarian aid would cease in response to Hamas’ rejection of extending the initial ceasefire phase.
In conjunction with these developments, over 50 former Israeli captives have urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to fully enforce the ceasefire, stressing the dangers of renewed conflict for those still held in Gaza. They expressed their collective experience of trauma, advocating for a comprehensive resolution to ensure safety for all remaining captives.
The ongoing violence in Gaza continues to claim lives, as evidenced by recent Israeli attacks resulting in three fatalities. Amidst these conflicts, critical humanitarian issues persist, particularly for women and children, who are significantly affected by the blockade. The fragile ceasefire talks in Cairo involve high-ranking Hamas officials, yet uncertainty prevails on whether a sustainable peace can be achieved, particularly given the calls from former captives for immediate action. Special attention must be given to the humanitarian conditions on the ground as this situation evolves.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
