Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza have restarted as Israel continues its attacks on civilians [Getty]
A high-level Egyptian security delegation arrived in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday for intensified talks on the second phase of the now broken Hamas-Israel ceasefire agreement.
According to Egyptian media reports, the discussions are focusing on the terms of a truce deal, including the release of prisoners on both sides and the facilitation of humanitarian aid into Gaza after Israel stopped the entry of all aid into the devastated territory.
“These talks are crucial for achieving a durable peace,” said an official from Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Our role is to bridge the gaps between the parties and ensure that the conditions are in place for a lasting ceasefire.”
Hamas has insisted that it is determined to continue negotiations, despite Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza, which have killed over 62,000 Palestinians. “The occupation’s attacks will not break our will,” said a Hamas spokesperson. “We will persist until Gaza is liberated.”
The ceasefire talks come after Israel resumed its bombing of Gaza after breaking a brief truce in January. Since March 18, Israel resumed its bombardment of Gaza, resulting in at least 855 Palestinian deaths, including displaced families living in tents.
The situation in the enclave remains dire, and humanitarian agencies say it is likely to get even worse. UNICEF have reported that hundreds of children have been killed or severely injured, with many suffering from burns and fractures and needing amputations.
“Gaza’s children are bearing the brunt of this conflict, and the world must take immediate action to protect them,” said Rosalia Bollen of UNICEF.
Meanwhile, the World Food Programme (WFP) announced that it has less than two weeks’ worth of food supplies left for Gaza’s population, exacerbating fears of widespread famine. “Without a ceasefire and the opening of aid corridors, we will see a disaster of unimaginable proportions,” said Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA.
Paramedic and family among victims of Israel’s ferocious attacks
In the 24 hours between Thursday and Friday, Israeli attacks killed at least 30 people in the Gaza Strip and injured 82 people. Among the casualties was Osama Al-Bali, a paramedic who served at the charity Medical Aid for Palestinians’ (MAP) Solidarity polyclinic in Gaza.
He was killed along with his wife and their 13-year-old son when Israeli forces shelled their tent in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. His brother’s family were also killed.
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) condemned Israel for the attack and called for the immediate protection of all healthcare workers and civilians in Gaza.
The Al-Bali family had already lost their home to Israel’s bombardment, and were sheltering in a tent beside the rubble of the destroyed house when the attack occurred.
Ahmad Al-Tarhouni, one of Osama’s colleagues, said: “I called him last night to check on him because the situation was extremely difficult in Beit Lahia. Osama told me he was worried, as most people had fled the area, leaving only a few families behind. I urged him to be cautious and leave, but he replied: ‘I have no choice. Where would I go? What can I do? I will stay here, and whatever is destined to happen will happen.'”
Fikr Shalltoot, MAP’s Gaza Director, said : “The killing of Osama and his family is yet another devastating act committed by the Israeli military. Paramedics and healthcare workers dedicate their lives to saving others, yet the Israeli military callously takes their lives in an attempt to further dismantle and destroy Gaza’s health system. How many more doctors, nurses, and paramedics must be killed before the world takes action?”
At least 1,060 healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of Israel’s war in October 2023.
