Israel battles Hamas in Gaza, signals readiness for truce talks

Israel continued its bombardment of Gaza on Sunday, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts towards achieving a truce and a deal for hostage releases.

The air strikes and artillery shelling targeted various regions across Gaza, including the northern, central, and southern areas, in a conflict that has lasted more than seven months since Hamas’s attack on October 7.

The fighting has concentrated on the southern city of Rafah, where Israel aims to dismantle the last Hamas battalions, despite international objections to a ground invasion. Earlier in May, Israel’s assault prompted Egypt to close its side of the Rafah border crossing. However, on Sunday, aid trucks from Egypt resumed their entry into Gaza through the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced that his administration is engaging in “urgent diplomacy to secure an immediate ceasefire that brings hostages home.” Meanwhile, Egypt continues its efforts to revive ceasefire negotiations, according to Al-Qahera News.

Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea reportedly agreed on a new framework for ceasefire talks during a meeting with the CIA chief and Qatari mediators in Paris. An Israeli official indicated that there is an intention to renew these talks within the week. However, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan downplayed this, stating there have been no practical developments.

In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing domestic pressure over the hostages’ fate, with protests continuing in Tel Aviv. The bodies of seven hostages have been recovered from Gaza recently, amplifying the urgency for their families.

Hamas claimed on Saturday that it had captured at least one Israeli soldier in the Jabalia camp, a claim denied by the Israeli army.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties. Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, more than 1,170 people in Israel have been killed, with 252 hostages taken, of which 121 remain in Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory actions have resulted in at least 35,903 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The United Nations has warned of a looming famine in Gaza, where most hospitals are no longer functioning. Recent strikes in Rafah and other areas have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

Israel has faced significant international criticism over the high civilian death toll and extensive destruction in Gaza. The International Court of Justice recently ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive and allow the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid, as well as release the hostages. This ruling came amidst broader international pushback, including moves by Ireland, Norway, and Spain to recognize Palestinian statehood.

Israel has maintained that its operations in Rafah are not intended to cause the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population.