An Israeli air strike in Gaza killed three Palestinians collecting firewood, reinforcing the volatility of a fragile ceasefire. Following further airstrikes, the death toll reached five on the same day. The ongoing blockade has exacerbated humanitarian issues, with food prices rising and bakeries closing. Negotiations for a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas are underway, but tensions remain high, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the process.
On Monday, an Israeli air strike in Gaza resulted in the deaths of three Palestinian men who were collecting firewood, marking a grim continuation of violence amid fragile ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Medics reported the men, all related, were struck while attempting to fulfill daily necessities as Israel has imposed a blockade for over two weeks, restricting critical supplies like fuel and food.
The Israeli military stated its operation targeted individuals identified as “terrorists” attempting to plant explosives near Israeli forces. Tragically, subsequent airstrikes claimed the lives of a father and son inside a school sheltering displaced families, escalating the day’s death toll to five.
Jabr Abou Hajjeer, father of a victim, expressed frustration, noting, “They were targeted — and when their cousins and others in the area came to rescue them, the drone targeted them with bombs.” Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a rising total of 150 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began in January due to continued Israeli military actions.
Adding to the humanitarian crisis, disruptions in the flow of goods into Gaza, lasting 16 days, have exacerbated suffering for the territory’s 2.3 million residents, primarily rendered homeless by ongoing conflict. Bakeries are closing, food prices are surging, and there are significant concerns over clean water access due to electricity cuts.
In Cairo, ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aim to establish a more stable ceasefire. While Israel proposes extending the initial phase of the ceasefire, Hamas insists it will only proceed with releasing hostages if talks commence on the second phase of the agreement established to commence on March 2.
Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua accused Israel of attempting to undermine the truce, claiming that negotiations are being met with new demands from the Israeli side. The conflict escalated following Hamas’s cross-border raid on October 7, 2023, leading to extensive losses on both sides, with over 48,000 Palestinians reportedly killed according to Gaza health officials.
The recent surge in violence in Gaza underscores the precariousness of the current ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. With the humanitarian situation deteriorating, particularly due to restrictions on essential goods, the urgency for a sustainable resolution is critical. Ongoing hostilities and differing demands from both parties further complicate the peace talks, necessitating mediated efforts to achieve lasting stability.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
