Hamas isn’t blocking a ceasefire in Gaza, Israel is. Netanyahu has systematically sabotaged negotiations at every turn, and his current demands for military control over Gaza ensure they will fail.
Antony Blinken arrives in the region to push for a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israeli settlers commit a new pogrom east of Qalqilya as Israeli forces ramp up raids on Jenin and Nablus.
Amid skepticism that Netanyahu intends to continue derailing a prisoner exchange deal for as long as possible, White House advisor John Kirby said the ceasefire talks that began on Thursday were “promising.”
Calls for renewing ceasefire talks come amid threats of a regional war in response to Israeli assassinations in Iran and Lebanon. Netanyahu has systematically worked to undermine talks and a prisoner exchange deal. Will this time be any different?
Hamas demands a plan to implement the original ceasefire deal proposed by the U.S. last July ahead of a new round of negotiations set to start this week.
The World Health Organization warned of mass starvation in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have killed 12 people in the West Bank in 48 hours.
Israeli protests demanding a prisoner exchange deal continue in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as Blinken discusses the proposal with Gantz and Gallant. Meanwhile, Gaza authorities say that thousands of children face death from starvation.
Antony Blinken claims that Hamas is blocking a ceasefire in Gaza, but it is Israel which has vowed to invade Rafah regardless of an agreement and is absolutely unwilling to declare an end to its genocidal operation.
Palestinians brace for an invasion in Rafah as Hamas is expected to respond to a new ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, Israel continues airstrikes on Gaza, and Gaza City’s municipality says that half of its water wells have been destroyed.