Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced on Thursday that Israel will be sending a delegation to Cairo for further discussions with mediators about a potential cease-fire agreement with Hamas and the release of hostages.
Israel Intensifies Offensive in Gaza
Recently, Israel has escalated its military campaign across the Gaza Strip, targeting the north, south, and center of the territory. This new wave of attacks appears to be aimed at applying additional pressure on Hamas as cease-fire negotiations continue.
Destruction in Shijaiyah Following Israeli Withdrawal
In the aftermath of a two-week offensive, Palestinians have returned to scenes of widespread destruction in the Gaza City district of Shijaiyah. Civil defense workers have reported discovering the bodies of at least 60 individuals amid the rubble left behind by the recent fighting.
Background of the Conflict
The current conflict began on October 7, when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 individuals.
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In response, Israel initiated a series of ground offensives and airstrikes that have since claimed the lives of more than 38,300 people in Gaza, according to the Health Ministry there, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians.
Challenges Facing the Aid Mission
Amid ongoing rough seas around Gaza, the United States is now considering halting efforts to reinstall a crucial aid pier intended to deliver humanitarian supplies to Palestinians facing severe shortages, U.S. officials revealed on Thursday. The original plan for the pier, established earlier this week, was to temporarily reinstall it to transfer the last shipments of humanitarian aid before dismantling it permanently. However, adverse weather conditions have so far prevented the successful reinstallation of the pier.
Both the White House and the Department of Defense have indicated that the pier’s operations will conclude “soon,” but they have not provided a specific timeline. According to other U.S. officials, discussions are underway at the Pentagon and U.S. Central Command about potentially ending the pier’s operations earlier than planned due to ongoing weather challenges and maintenance issues that make short-term reattachment less feasible.
The officials, who requested anonymity to discuss internal matters, noted that there is no final decision yet. Should weather conditions improve, there remains a slim possibility that the pier could be reinstalled temporarily to complete the aid transfer.
As Washington prepares for the potential end of the pier’s mission, officials are reflecting on a challenging endeavor marked by weather difficulties and security concerns. Despite these obstacles, the operation has successfully delivered over 19.4 million pounds of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, providing critical support during a time of severe need.
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