Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resumed in the Qatari capital of Doha, even as the Israel Defense Forces continue preparations for a broader ground operation in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes targeted the eastern part of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Saturday, as international calls for restraint intensified.
We must tell the Israeli government: enough.” The Dutch government also expressed concern and urged the European Union to reconsider its agreements with Israel.
Earlier in the week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described Israel as a “genocidal state” during remarks in his country’s parliament.
IDF Expands Northern Gaza Operations On Saturday, the Israeli military announced it had destroyed a strategic two-kilometer Hamas tunnel in northern Gaza.
In the capital of Qatar, Doha, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have resumed, despite the Israel Defense Forces’ ongoing preparations for a more extensive ground operation in the Gaza Strip.
Both parties are “discussing all issues without preconditions,” senior Hamas official Taher al-Nounou told Reuters. The reopened discussion coincides with mounting international pressure on Israel to forego a full-scale invasion in favor of a solution that would put an end to the conflict, depose Hamas, and ensure the release of hostages without reoccupying the enclave.
International calls for restraint grew as Israeli airstrikes on Saturday targeted the eastern section of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.
Antonio Tajani, Italy’s foreign minister, stated that his nation does not wish to see the Palestinian people endure additional hardship. He declared, “Let’s work toward a cease-fire—enough with the attacks.”. “All hostages should be released, and those who have fallen prey to Hamas should be left in peace.”. We must communicate enough to the Israeli government. “”.
Concerned, the Dutch government also called on the EU to reevaluate its pacts with Israel. In a post to his 8 million followers on the social media platform X, conservative commentator Piers Morgan, who has previously supported Israel, described the situation in Gaza as a “horrific massacre” and stated that Netanyahu is out of control and needs to be stopped. “.”.
Hamas has entered into an “urgent meeting” with Qatari mediators to discuss a proposed two-month partial deal, during which negotiations will continue on a more comprehensive agreement to end the conflict, a Hamas source told the Qatari news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. According to the source, the United States has made “clear” promises to uphold the agreement as part of the more stringent guarantees in the current round.
Mahmoud Mardawi, a Hamas official, told the outlet that negotiations in Doha are still going on and can cover any topic, without mentioning earlier Israeli proposals. A separate Hamas official told the Saudi newspaper Asharq that if a permanent cease-fire and complete Israeli withdrawal are assured, the group is willing to come to an immediate agreement.
Hamas has rejected the initial framework that Special U suggested, according to a senior Israeli official with knowledge of the talks. S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which included further talks after the first day of a truce, which included the release of ten hostages. Although they are prepared to voice their opinions, the official stated that there was little chance of any progress. “We’re not hopeful. “”.
European censure, U. A. worry.
Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Malta, and Slovenia all condemned what they described as a “man-made humanitarian disaster” in Gaza in a joint statement released on Friday. The statement claimed that over 50,000 men, women, and children had died. “If immediate action is not taken, many more people may perish from starvation in the days and weeks ahead. “.”.
The leaders demanded that Israel “immediately reverse its current policy, refrain from further military operations, and fully lift the blockade” while at the same time guaranteeing that humanitarian aid could be delivered safely and without interference throughout Gaza.
Speaking to his nation’s parliament earlier this week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called Israel a “genocidal state.”. Israeli media reported that the ambassador of Israel to Spain was called for a formal reprimand.
U. S. In remarks made Friday in Abu Dhabi with Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed, President Donald Trump claimed that “bad things are happening” and that “a lot of people are starving in Gaza.”. We are considering Gaza—and we will address it,” he continued. “”.
One of Israel’s most vocal allies in the Trump administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, echoed those worries. Speaking to Turkish reporters, Rubio underlined that the US is “concerned” about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and claimed to have had a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
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According to Rubio, “the suffering in Gaza is not unique to the United States.”. He also addressed criticism of Washington’s aid distribution strategy, which calls for American contractors to deliver aid directly to Gazans in order to prevent Hamas from diverting it. Following concerns expressed by aid organizations that the plan would not adequately reach all civilians, he stated that he is “open to other suggestions.”.
Operations in Northern Gaza Are Expanded by IDF.
An important two-kilometer Hamas tunnel in northern Gaza was destroyed, the Israeli military said on Saturday. Speaking in Arabic, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Hamas is “under heavy fire and pressure—from north to south, underground and above ground,” according to Avichay Adraee. “.”.
“Until Hamas’ rule is overthrown and the hostages are returned, we will not stop,” Adraee declared.
According to the IDF, Division 252’s Northern Brigade is still active in the northern Strip. Numerous terrorist organizations were destroyed, and dozens of militants were slain. The army claimed that the underground route was found and destroyed by combat engineers from the prestigious Yahalom unit.
