A senior Hamas official has confirmed that mediators are intensifying their efforts to broker a new ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza, amid ongoing tensions with Israel. However, negotiations with Israel remain stalled.
The situation on the ground remains dire, with at least 45 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces on Wednesday, including some who were seeking aid. The Israeli military also reported that seven soldiers were killed in a bomb attack claimed by Hamas.
US President Donald Trump expressed “great progress” in his talks with Israeli envoy Steve Witkoff, stating that an agreement between Israel and Hamas is “very close”. But, the senior Hamas official disputed this claim, saying that mediators are engaged in intensive contacts aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement. However, he noted that no new proposal has been received from the Israeli side.
The US, Qatar, and Egypt have all attempted to broker a deal, but efforts stalled at the end of May due to disagreements over proposed amendments to a US-backed truce plan. Israel is accused of using humanitarian aid as leverage, with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) saying it has distributed food packages containing over 44 million meals since its launch.
The UN and other aid groups have refused to co-operate with GHF due to concerns that it violates fundamental humanitarian principles. Reports of civilians being killed near GHF sites have also raised alarm, with at least 549 people reported killed while trying to collect aid since the GHF began distributing food on May 26.
Funerals were held for some of the victims in Gaza City, where a spokesman for the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency said six people were killed when Israeli forces opened fire. However, the Israeli military denied involvement, and the GHF claimed reports of incidents near its sites were false.
The situation in Gaza remains fragile, with many fearing that an end to the conflict will allow Israel to intensify its military operations. One man in Khan Younis said “everything got worse” during the conflict, citing increased destruction and lack of access to aid.
As pressure mounts on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree a ceasefire, opposition leaders have renewed calls for an immediate end to hostilities and the release of all hostages.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clylzlv91pro