Image Credits : Al Jazeera
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has intensified, with the Israeli military’s recent operations causing significant casualties. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli airstrikes over the past 48 hours have resulted in the deaths of 69 people and injuries to 136 others. This brings the total death toll in Gaza since the conflict began on October 7 to a staggering 40,074, with 92,537 individuals reported injured.
In response to the escalating situation, Israeli forces have broadened their evacuation orders to include northern and southern Gaza, even affecting areas in the south that were earlier marked as “safe zones.” This escalation follows a particularly deadly overnight attack on a shelter in central Gaza’s az-Zawayda area, where at least 16 people, including nine children, were killed. The humanitarian crisis has been further exacerbated by an Israeli strike on a residential building in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, where ten people were reportedly killed, according to Lebanese media.
Amid the escalating violence, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne has called for a swift implementation of a ceasefire agreement. During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Cairo, Sejourne emphasized the importance of all parties accepting and implementing the ceasefire proposals swiftly. He praised the efforts made in Doha over the past few days, which have led to a new proposal aimed at bridging gaps and facilitating the rapid execution of a ceasefire.
The ceasefire negotiations, led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, have seen a temporary pause. However, the negotiators are set to reconvene next week to finalize an agreement intended to halt the Israeli offensive and negotiate the release of captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The situation remains critical as diplomatic efforts continue amidst the backdrop of severe humanitarian impacts and mounting international pressure for a resolution. The global community is closely observing as peace negotiations intensify, aiming to alleviate suffering and restore stability in the region.