Israel and Hamas resumed ceasefire talks on Saturday in Qatar, even as Israeli forces intensified a bombing campaign in Gaza that has killed at least 146 people over 72 hours. Israel is mobilizing for a large-scale ground assault dubbed “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent Middle East visit. The blockade on Gaza remains in place, cutting off supplies to its 2.3 million residents amid growing international concern.
Hamas media adviser Taher Al-Nono said indirect talks began without preconditions, covering issues like ending the war, prisoner swaps, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and humanitarian aid access. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed hostage release negotiations resumed but without Israel agreeing to a ceasefire or lifting the blockade.
The Israeli military aims to gain “operational control” of parts of Gaza through extensive strikes and troop mobilization. Palestinian health authorities reported most casualties in northern towns and refugee camps, with hundreds injured. Residents were urged to leave northern Gaza, which Hamas described as undergoing a “systematic campaign of extermination,” appealing to Arab leaders for aid and intervention.
Efforts since March to restore a truce have failed. Hamas demands Israel end its military campaign before releasing hostages captured in October 2023, while Israel insists it will continue until Hamas is dismantled.
At the Arab League summit, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi condemned Israel’s actions as aiming to “obliterate and annihilate” Palestinians in Gaza. UN experts warn of looming famine due to the blockade, with UN aid chief Tom Fletcher urging the Security Council to prevent genocide.
Despite international pressure and acknowledgment from Trump of Gaza’s hunger crisis, Israel blames Hamas for civilian suffering, accusing the group of using people as human shields and controlling aid distribution.
Gaza’s healthcare system is overwhelmed and crippled, with hospitals repeatedly struck and supplies running out. Hospital staff report catastrophic conditions with many critically wounded. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved plans for an expanded offensive, potentially seizing full control of Gaza.
The conflict stems from Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis and took roughly 250 hostages. Since then, the Israeli military campaign has devastated Gaza, displacing nearly all its two million residents and killing over 53,000 according to Palestinian health authorities.
Source: Swifteradio.com
