Gaza Struck Amid Egyptian TV Reports of Truce Talk Resumption

Overnight airstrikes have intensified the conflict in Gaza as negotiations for a truce between Israel and Hamas are expected to continue in Cairo, reported by Egyptian state TV.

The ongoing war, now nearly six months long since Hamas’ attack on October 7, has seen fierce battles around key infrastructure, including hospitals in the embattled Palestinian territory. Amidst the conflict, an attempt to deliver aid within Gaza turned tragic on Saturday, leading to the death of at least five individuals, as confirmed by a Red Crescent paramedic. The Israeli army, however, has not acknowledged this incident.

Eyewitness accounts to AFP described a scene of panic during the aid delivery, with gunfire from both Gazans managing the operation and Israeli forces, resulting in chaos and casualties.

In an effort to mitigate the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which affects its 2.4 million inhabitants, an aid shipment containing 400 tonnes of food relief is en route from Cyprus. Despite these efforts, including increased aid airdrops by foreign powers, the desperate need far surpasses the help received, with numerous fatalities occurring in stampedes for aid or while trying to collect airdropped packages from the sea.

The Gaza health ministry reports that recent Israeli attacks have led to the death of at least 75 individuals, predominantly women and children, continuing despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an “immediate ceasefire.”

Tensions have escalated between Israel and its main ally, the United States, particularly regarding the potential for Israeli ground forces to enter the densely populated southern city of Rafah in Gaza. Despite this, the US has reportedly continued to supply Israel with significant military aid.

Mass protests have erupted in Tel Aviv in response to the war, which started with a Hamas attack on October 7, leading to approximately 1,160 deaths in Israel, based on official figures. In contrast, Israel’s counteroffensive has resulted in at least 32,705 deaths in Gaza, mostly among women and children, and the capture of around 250 hostages by Palestinian militants, with about 130 believed to remain in Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sanctioned a new phase of ceasefire discussions in Doha and Cairo under heavy pressure to secure the release of the hostages. These talks are critical for addressing the ongoing humanitarian and health crises in Gaza, with the U.N. World Health Organization indicating a dire need for medical evacuations for thousands of patients due to the significant reduction in operational hospitals from 36 to just 10 since the war began.