Image Credits: Al Jazeera
As mediators strive to resume ceasefire talks later this week, the conflict in Gaza has intensified with recent exchanges of fire between Hamas and Israel. On Tuesday, Hamas fired two rockets at Tel Aviv, Israel’s commercial hub, marking the first such attack in months. Fortunately, there were no casualties reported in Israel. The rockets, one of which fell into the sea and the other failed to reach Israeli territory, were launched in retaliation for what Hamas described as “Zionist massacres” and the deliberate displacement of Palestinian civilians.
In response, Israeli airstrikes targeted various locations in Gaza, resulting in at least 19 Palestinian deaths. The strikes hit several areas, including Deir Al-Balah, Al-Bureij camp, Al-Maghazi camp, Rafah, and the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood in Gaza City. The casualties included a mother and her twin babies, highlighting the tragic toll of the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military reported that its operations were aimed at dismantling Hamas and Islamic Jihad military structures, locating weapons, and targeting rocket launchers and sniper positions.
The U.S. has expressed hope that these talks will proceed as planned and potentially lead to a ceasefire agreement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Qatar, Egypt, and Israel for talks on the issue. However, Hamas has indicated its dissatisfaction with the negotiation process. A Hamas official stated that the group is seeking concrete steps for implementing a ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. President Joe Biden in May, rather than engaging in further discussions. The official stressed that what is needed now is action rather than further negotiation.
The current conflict began on October 7 when Hamas-led fighters attacked Israel, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and approximately 250 hostages taken. In retaliation, Israel’s ongoing offensive has claimed the lives of nearly 40,000 Palestinians, displacing a large portion of Gaza’s population and causing widespread devastation.
In the densely populated area of Deir Al-Balah, civilians are desperate for a truce. Ghada, a mother of six displaced by recent evacuation orders, expressed her hope for a ceasefire, fearing for her family’s survival if the conflict continues.