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Tag: Gaza ceasefire

  • Israeli Strike on Gaza City Market Area Kills Three, Injures Dozens Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    Israeli Strike on Gaza City Market Area Kills Three, Injures Dozens Amid Fragile Ceasefire

    At least three Palestinians were killed and dozens injured after an Israeli air strike hit a residential building in one of the busiest market districts in Gaza City, according to local medics and eyewitnesses.

    The strike targeted the upper floors of the al-Kayali building as crowds of shoppers filled the streets ahead of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. Witnesses reported that at least five missiles struck the building almost simultaneously from multiple directions, causing widespread destruction and panic across the area.

    Emergency response teams and civil defence crews rushed to the scene but faced major difficulties reaching the upper floors due to severe structural damage and heavy congestion around the market district. Footage from the aftermath showed ambulances, rescue workers, and crowds gathering around the damaged building late into the night.

    The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli military had targeted Mohammed Odeh, identified as a senior commander in Hamas’s armed wing. Israeli authorities described Odeh as one of the key planners behind the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

    According to the Israeli government, Odeh was responsible for attacks that resulted in the deaths, injuries, and abductions of Israeli civilians and soldiers. Neither Israel nor Hamas has confirmed whether Odeh was killed in the strike.

    The attack comes days after another Israeli operation reportedly killed Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, a former commander within Hamas’s armed wing, in a similar strike on a residential building.

    Despite a ceasefire agreement that began on 10 October, Israel has continued carrying out air strikes across Gaza. Hamas has repeatedly accused Israel of violating the truce and targeting civilians, while Israeli officials argue that military operations against Hamas members remain justified.

    The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire took effect. Israel, meanwhile, insists Hamas has failed to comply with ceasefire terms, particularly regarding disarmament.

    Efforts to advance a US-backed peace initiative for Gaza have stalled amid ongoing regional tensions and conflict involving Iran. The proposed second phase of the peace plan included the establishment of a transitional technocratic administration in Gaza, alongside reconstruction and demilitarisation efforts, but negotiations remain deadlocked.

    The war began after Hamas launched its October 2023 attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign across Gaza that has devastated much of the territory and displaced large numbers of civilians.

    According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 72,744 people have been killed during the conflict, figures that the United Nations has described as broadly reliable.

    The latest escalation in Gaza also follows deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon, where at least 11 people were reportedly killed. Israeli officials say the attacks targeted Hezbollah infrastructure as military operations continue across multiple fronts.

  • Israeli Airstrike Kills Son of Hamas Chief Negotiator Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire Talks

    Israeli Airstrike Kills Son of Hamas Chief Negotiator Amid Fragile Gaza Ceasefire Talks

    An Israeli airstrike has killed the son of Hamas chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya as negotiations continue over the future of Gaza under a U.S.-brokered peace framework backed by President Donald Trump.

    According to senior Hamas official Basim Naim, Azzam Al-Hayya died on Thursday after suffering injuries from an Israeli strike carried out Wednesday night. He is the fourth son of Khalil Al-Hayya to be killed in Israeli military operations over the years.

    The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reported strike.

    Khalil Al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader living in exile, has reportedly survived several Israeli assassination attempts. Previous attacks targeting him resulted in the deaths of three of his sons during conflicts in Gaza and in a strike in Doha last year.

    Before his son’s death was officially confirmed, Al-Hayya accused Israel of attempting to derail ongoing mediation efforts tied to President Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, which is being overseen by a diplomatic body known as the “Board of Peace.”

    Speaking to Al Jazeera, Al-Hayya said the continued Israeli attacks showed a lack of commitment to the ceasefire agreement and threatened efforts to advance negotiations.

    The latest escalation comes as Hamas leaders and representatives of other Palestinian factions are meeting in Cairo with regional mediators and Nickolay Mladenov, the lead envoy for the Board of Peace. The talks are focused on moving Trump’s Gaza reconstruction and ceasefire plan into a second phase.

    The agreement, accepted by both Israel and Hamas in October, includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the beginning of reconstruction efforts in exchange for Hamas laying down its weapons.

    However, Hamas disarmament remains one of the biggest obstacles in the negotiations. Hamas officials have stated they will not engage in detailed discussions on the second phase until Israel fulfills commitments made under the first stage of the ceasefire, including a full halt to attacks.

    Local medics say at least 830 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire took effect, while Israel says militant groups have killed four Israeli soldiers during the same period.

    Israel maintains that its military strikes are aimed at preventing attacks by Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups against Israeli forces.

  • Justin Trudeau Condemns Iran, Supports Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

    Justin Trudeau Condemns Iran, Supports Israel’s Right to Defend Itself

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has condemned Iran’s missile attacks on Israel, emphasizing the nation’s right to defend itself, while also urging caution to prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters before a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill, Trudeau stated, “We unreservedly condemn Iran’s ballistic missile attack against Israel. This destabilizing action by a terrorist regime risks further conflict, endangering civilians, and escalating tensions.”

    Trudeau, addressing the G7 leaders, reinforced that Israel has the right to respond but highlighted the importance of preventing an all-out war. “We must do everything we can to avoid a wider war, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian aid reaches affected regions,” he said.

    The international community is closely monitoring the escalating situation. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan disclosed that the U.S. military is collaborating with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to defend against Iranian missile strikes, including intercepting inbound missiles through joint efforts between U.S. naval destroyers and Israeli air defense units.

    There remains speculation on Israel’s potential next moves, which could target Iran’s military infrastructure or vital sectors like uranium enrichment operations or oil production facilities. The global response hinges on how events unfold, as Trudeau and other G7 leaders are seeking ways to avoid a generalized war.

    Calls for Ceasefire and Peace Efforts

    Trudeau reiterated Canada’s stance for a peaceful resolution in the region, calling for ceasefires between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as in Gaza. He emphasized the need to revive discussions around a two-state solution for lasting peace in the region.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly echoed Trudeau’s concerns, stating, “Our priority is preventing a generalized war in the Middle East. Israel’s retaliation must not lead to further escalation.” Joly also highlighted ongoing efforts to work with G7 countries and Arab nations to avoid widespread conflict.

    Concerns Over Civilian Safety and Evacuation Efforts

    Despite the threat of wider conflict, Canada has yet to initiate a full evacuation of Canadian citizens in Lebanon. However, the federal government has secured seats on Middle East Airlines flights and chartered additional flights from Beirut to Istanbul. Canadian officials have reached out to approximately 4,000 citizens and permanent residents, offering assistance at a cost of $445 per reservation.

    Joly urged those who are able to leave Lebanon to do so, but uptake on evacuation offers remains limited, with Canadians, as well as citizens from Australia and New Zealand, being offered seats.

    Seeking a Lasting Peace

    Liberal MP Fayçal El-Khoury, himself a Lebanese-born Canadian, stressed the importance of a lasting solution. “If the United Nations and international community truly want peace, they can achieve it. A temporary ceasefire isn’t enough; we need a permanent resolution to give future generations a chance to witness peace in the Middle East,” he said.

    With the situation still developing, world leaders are calling for careful measures to prevent further escalation and seeking diplomatic pathways to peace.

    Source: Swifteradio.com