As the Israel-Hamas conflict nears its seven-month mark, fresh negotiations are underway to secure the release of hostages held by the terrorist organization. Israeli forces are also preparing for a potential invasion of the southern Gaza town of Rafah.
Over the weekend, President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed increasing humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza and potential military operations in Rafah during a phone call, according to the White House. However, an Israeli official informed ABC News that Israel would not agree to end the conflict as part of any hostage release deal.
"Israel will not agree to end the conflict as part of a deal to release our hostages," the official stated.
"The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will enter Rafah to eliminate remaining Hamas battalions, regardless of a temporary ceasefire for hostage release. The U.S. has recently increased diplomatic pressure on Qatar to expel Hamas leaders, as intermediaries between the U.S. and Hamas have struggled to negotiate a ceasefire agreement effectively. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a new approach in dealing with Hamas.
A Hamas delegation is set to return to Egypt to continue ceasefire negotiations with Israel, expressing a positive spirit toward reaching an agreement that meets their people's demands. In a related development, the U.S. announced a $200 million allocation to address acute hunger in conflict zones, including Gaza, focusing on the distribution of nutrient-filled paste for malnourished children under 5 years old.
CIA Director Bill Burns arrived in Cairo to continue negotiations on the ceasefire and hostage release proposal, as a Hamas delegation prepared to resume talks in Egypt. The U.S. has been briefed on Israeli plans for humanitarian evacuations from Gaza ahead of a potential operation in Rafah.
The Houthis threatened to block all ships from passing through the Red Sea if Israel proceeds with its plans in Rafah, while Turkey announced a halt to all exports and imports with Israel due to the conflict. In a tragic development, Dror Or, one of the Israeli citizens kidnapped earlier, was confirmed dead.
The toll of the conflict on Gaza has been devastating, setting economic development back by 20 years, according to a UN report. The poverty rate has risen sharply, and the region faces a serious development crisis."