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Negotiations are ongoing in Egypt as both sides work towards a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, following five months of violent conflict in the area.
However, Israeli representatives refused to participate in the talks in Cairo due to reports that Hamas did not comply with their request for a comprehensive list of surviving hostages.
The US is adamant that the agreement is nearly final and must be finalized before the sacred holiday of Ramadan, which falls on March 10th.
However, three anonymous officials have stated that the government is also anticipating to receive information on the number of Palestinian prisoners that the terrorist organization wishes to exchange for each captive.
According to an official from Hamas speaking to CNN, specific conditions of the agreement have made it very improbable that any plan will be reached in the next two days, despite Israel’s acceptance of the suggested outlines in Paris at the end of February.
Hamas’ demands consist of a lasting truce and the removal of Israeli military from the Gaza Strip.
The present offer suggests a six-week agreement for a ceasefire, with the possibility of extending it. This will lead to more aid being delivered to Palestinians, who are close to experiencing a severe food shortage.
The discussions are also being attended by delegates from Qatar and the United States. President Joe Biden envisions a restructured Palestinian government in charge of the territory, with the goal of achieving statehood in the future.
The objective is challenged by Israeli’s leader Benjamin Netanyahu and conservatives in his administration. In light of the conflict, the prime minister’s approval rating has declined, as many citizens blame him for being unable to prevent the 7 October attack by Hamas, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals.
Approximately 250 individuals, including females, young ones, and seniors, were held captive as hostages with some losing their lives in the ensuing bombing of Gaza.
The health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has reported that the fighting has caused 30,000 Palestinian deaths since the Israeli Defence Forces entered the area.
Approximately 80% of the 2.3 million inhabitants have been displaced from their residences, according to UN organizations. They report that hundreds of thousands are at risk of starvation, as aid deliveries are frequently obstructed or delayed at the border with Egypt.
The Israeli military reported on Sunday that the majority of Palestinians who lost their lives last week were a result of a stampede caused by a large gathering near an aid envoy.
Nonetheless, authorities in the area reported that over 100 individuals were injured and transported to medical facilities after being struck by high-caliber projectiles.
Multiple nations have requested a United Nations investigation, while Israeli authorities have rejected the stated numbers and have not presented their own estimates.
On Sunday, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the main military spokesperson for Israel, disclosed the findings of an initial investigation which reaffirmed previous statements from Israel that the majority of fatalities were due to being trampled in the chaos of rushing to receive aid from trucks.
Furthermore, a group of individuals were singled out and shot at by military forces due to their actions which were perceived as an imminent danger. The speaker mentioned that an unbiased investigation has been launched, however, specific information was not disclosed.
The United States completed a humanitarian airdrop yesterday, delivering 66 pallets of 38,000 meals. However, this effort received criticism from charitable organizations in the region for being insufficient.
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