Ramallah (West Bank), Aug 27 (AP) - Israeli and American officials are set to gather in Washington on Wednesday to address the ongoing consequences of the conflict in Gaza, despite an absence of indications that the hostilities, which have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and caused famine in Gaza's largest city, are nearing a resolution.
The meeting is taking place amidst limited progress in ceasefire negotiations and rising discontent over lethal Israeli strikes on a southern Gaza hospital, which resulted in 20 fatalities, including journalists and emergency responders.
Israel's military announced an investigation into the hospital attack. In preliminary findings on Tuesday, they did not provide an immediate justification for the double strikes or evidence for claims that six of the deceased were militants.
US Envoy Steve Witkoff informed Fox News on Tuesday that President Donald Trump would preside over the meeting, offering “a very comprehensive plan we're putting together for the next day.” Specifics were not disclosed.
Discussions about Gaza's future occur as aid organizations caution that an expanded Israeli offensive could exacerbate the humanitarian situation in the beleaguered territory, where the majority of residents are displaced, neighborhoods are devastated, and parts of the region verge on famine.
The meeting follows nine days after Hamas declared acceptance of a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, following Israel's announcement of plans to capture Gaza's largest city, where some healthcare and infrastructure services remain operational and hundreds of thousands take refuge.
An official from Qatar, one of the countries mediating the talks, stated last week that the proposal being deliberated was “almost identical” to an earlier draft put forth by Witkoff and accepted by Israel. Both Hamas and Israel have previously declared acceptance of truce proposals under negotiation, although many have disintegrated, with both sides blaming each other for last-minute alterations.
The discussed agreement would reportedly include a 60-day truce, the exchange of some hostages held by Hamas for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a roadmap toward durable ceasefire negotiations.
Several members within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition oppose such a phased agreement. Israel intends to continue with plans to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists for a more extensive offensive.
On Wednesday, hospitals reported at least 10 casualties, including one near a central Gaza aid distribution site and another in a southern Gaza displacement camp.
An Israeli strike resulted in three fatalities, including a child and a woman, and injured 21 others when it hit tents for displaced individuals in Khan Younis overnight on Wednesday, as reported by the Kuwait Specialised Field Hospital. Three separate Israeli strikes resulted in at least six more deaths in Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital on Wednesday.
Israel's military did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the strikes. The military campaign has resulted in over 62,819 Palestinian deaths, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which refrains from specifying the number of fighters or civilians but indicates around half were women and children.
The ministry operates as part of the Hamas-run government and is staffed by medical professionals. The UN and independent experts regard it as the most reliable source for war casualties. Israel contests the figures but has not disclosed its own.
Hamas-led militants abducted 251 individuals and killed approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, during the Oct 7, 2023, attack that initiated the war. Most hostages have been released either through ceasefires or other negotiations, but 50 remain within Gaza, around 20 of whom are believed alive by Israeli authorities.
Widespread protests have emerged in Israel, with hostages' families and their supporters demanding a ceasefire. The government maintains that an expanded offensive is the optimal strategy to secure the hostages' return and to debilitate Hamas' capability of orchestrating future attacks.
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