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Source: Reuters-Anas al-Shareef |
Gaza Truce and Hostage Deal Hopes Rise Amid Israel's Threat of Invasion
In a significant development, Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel's war Cabinet, has signaled potential progress towards a truce in Gaza and a new hostage deal with Hamas. Gantz disclosed yesterday that efforts were underway "to promote a new outline," raising hopes for de-escalation. However, he reiterated Israel's warning of a possible invasion of Rafah during Ramadan if a hostage deal isn't reached before March 10.
Amidst this, ultra-nationalist Israeli ministers are pushing for the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank and the establishment of new checkpoints for Palestinians. This move comes in response to a recent shooting attack on a busy highway in the West Bank, which claimed the life of one Israeli and left four others wounded.
In another development, a ship has come under attack by two missiles in the Red Sea southeast of Yemen, according to the UK's Maritime Trade Organization. The vessel caught fire following the attack. While no one has been directly blamed for the incident, there are concerns about Iran-backed Houthi rebels' involvement, who have been targeting cargo vessels in the region. The U.S. has responded with self-defense strikes against the Houthis, destroying missiles and drones intended for further attacks on shipping.
Meanwhile, a coalition of United Nations aid organizations has outlined ten critical steps aimed at averting a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. These steps include an immediate cease-fire and the restoration of funding for the UN refugee agency for Palestinians. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, has described Gaza as a "death zone," highlighting the escalating malnutrition crisis following the suspension of food deliveries to northern Gaza.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, over 29,400 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the start of the war, with more than 69,400 sustaining injuries. Additionally, thousands remain missing and presumed dead. Israeli military sources have confirmed the deaths of at least 238 soldiers since the ground invasion of Gaza commenced.
