GAZA STRIP, Palestinian Territories: In the midst of escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis, Egypt is set to host talks aiming for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Gaza officials reported more deadly bombardment in the nearly five-month-old war, further highlighting the urgent need for a resolution.
A senior Hamas official revealed that a delegation from the Palestinian group would discuss a proposal for a six-week truce with mediators. This comes after a US official stated that Israel had “more or less accepted” the terms of the proposal. Envoys from the United States, Qatar, and Hamas have arrived in Cairo, as all sides are racing against time to secure a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that begins on March 10 or 11.
The Hamas official emphasized that meeting their demands, including a military withdrawal from Gaza and increased humanitarian aid, would pave the way for an agreement within the next 24-48 hours. However, the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip reported that at least 90 Palestinians had been killed in the past 24 hours, including 14 family members in a house hit in the southern Rafah refugee camp.
The worsening humanitarian crisis in the narrow coastal territory is evident, with at least 16 children dying of malnutrition in recent days. The ministry spokesman stated that “famine spreads in the Strip’s north.” In response, the United States, Israel’s top ally, has begun airdropping aid into war-ravaged Gaza, as relief supplies have been dwindling across its land borders.
The Hamas official outlined that the group would demand the entry of at least 400 to 500 trucks per day carrying food, medicine, and fuel as part of the truce deal. While the US official claimed that there is a framework deal for a ceasefire, Israel has yet to confirm whether it has accepted the plan or will attend the Cairo talks.
The US official emphasized that a ceasefire could commence if Hamas agrees to release vulnerable hostages, including the sick, wounded, elderly, and women. Osama Hamdan, a Lebanon-based Hamas official, insisted on a complete ceasefire and an end to the aggression against their people.
Amid fears of widespread famine, the US military has airdropped “over 38,000 meals” into Gaza. However, officials and aid groups stress that such operations cannot replace overland aid access. The UN Security Council expressed concern over “alarming levels of acute food insecurity” and called for the immediate, rapid, safe, sustained, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale.
The deaths resulting from the aid truck storming have sparked international outcry, with several foreign leaders calling for an investigation. The Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli forces shot civilians, while the Israeli army argued that most died in a stampede or crush. A United Nations team that visited a Gaza City hospital reported a large number of gunshot wounds among Palestinians in the aftermath of the incident.
As the aid convoy deaths push the war death toll in Gaza to at least 30,410, mostly women and children, the urgency for a ceasefire and a resolution to the conflict is more critical than ever. Egypt’s hosting of talks provides a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution and an end to the suffering endured by the people of Gaza.
Source: The Manila Times
