Jerusalem, Aug 19 (AP) - A key mediator has emphasized the pressing need to establish a ceasefire in Gaza, following a "positive response" from Hamas to a proposal. Meanwhile, Israel has not yet provided feedback, as its military plans an offensive in densely populated regions of the territory.
The potential expansion of military actions in areas housing hundreds of thousands of civilians has sparked condemnation both in Israel and internationally. Exhausted Palestinians find no place safe, not even in designated humanitarian zones, after enduring 22 months of conflict.
Concerns are also rising among Israelis, hundreds of thousands of whom gathered on Sunday to voice fears that such offensives could further imperil the remaining hostages in Gaza. Of the 50 hostages still held, only 20 are believed to be alive.
Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, urged the implementation of a ceasefire proposal, warning that its failure would worsen the crisis. Qatar is among the countries actively mediating to resolve the conflict. Al-Ansari confirmed Hamas's agreement to the negotiation terms but withheld specifics, mentioning the proposal is nearly identical to an earlier U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's plan.
Witkoff's proposal suggested a 60-day ceasefire, enabling the release of some hostages and aiming for a lasting ceasefire and the return of the others. Al-Ansari cautioned that even if an agreement is reached, immediate implementation should not be anticipated. His comments followed the Egyptian foreign minister's push for a phased deal, noting Qatar's prime minister's participation in discussions with Hamas leaders and Arab mediators.
Witkoff, who withdrew from talks less than a month prior citing Hamas's insincerity, has been invited back, according to Egypt's foreign minister Badr Abdelatty. However, it remains unclear how Witkoff has responded to this invitation.
An anonymous Israeli official stated on Monday that Israel's stance on hostage release remains unchanged. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the necessity of a conclusive effort to "complete the defeat of Hamas," pledging to persist until all hostages are freed and Hamas disarmed.
On Tuesday, Gaza hospitals reported receiving 28 Palestinians' bodies killed during Israeli strikes, including women and children. The fatalities occurred across various regions, such as central Deir al-Balah, southern Khan Younis, and near aid distribution centers.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor, manages these aid sites. Nasser Hospital also reported an airstrike that killed a family of five in Muwasi camp. Majed al-Mashwakhi, the children's grandfather, expressed his grief, questioning the family's fault in their sudden demise.
The reported casualty numbers from Nasser, Awda, and al-Aqsa hospitals have yet to receive responses from the GHF or Israel's military.
Gaza's Health Ministry, associated with the Hamas-run government, reported the Palestinian death toll surpassing 62,000 by Monday, encompassing both civilians and combatants, with women and children making up around half. Additionally, malnutrition and starvation have claimed several lives, including 154 adults and 112 children since the conflict's onset on October 7, 2023.
Aid agencies struggle to deliver supplies to the blockaded region. Although Israel allowed some aid through, 370 trucks entered on Tuesday—still short of the 600 needed daily, according to the UN and partners.
Israel has maintained control over Gaza's border crossings since capturing Rafah's Palestinian side in May 2024. With restricted land routes, aid groups are turning to air and sea delivery methods.
COGAT noted 180 aid pallets were airdropped into Gaza, assisted by nations like Jordan, the UAE, and France. The UN critiques airdrops as costly and potentially risky for ground recipients.
A ship, carrying 1,200 tons of food, departed from Cyprus for the Israeli port of Ashdod, laden with pre-screened goods such as pasta, rice, baby food, and canned items. (AP)
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