Israeli strikes rocked Gaza Sunday, killing at least eight Palestinians, as renewed efforts to broker a ceasefire gained momentum. Here's the latest on this unfolding crisis and the fragile path to peace.
Casualties Mount Amid 'Time-Buying' War
Drone attacks in Gaza’s al-Shati refugee camp and airstrikes in Al-Karama and Al-Shuja'iya neighborhoods left families mourning victims, per local authorities. The Palestinian death toll now stands at 46,565, according to Gaza health officials. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry accused Israel of using delays to enable \"genocide and displacement\" – a claim Israel denies.
Hamas: 'We’re Close'
Hamas officials told Xinhua they’re \"not far\" from a deal if Israel shows flexibility. Their proposed two-phase plan would:
💔 Release Israeli hostages (women, children, elderly) in exchange for Palestinian detainees
🏚️ Begin Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza
🕊️ Launch second-phase talks on full ceasefire and reconstruction
Global Pressure Intensifies
US President Biden pushed Netanyahu for an \"immediate ceasefire\" during a Sunday call, while Trump’s incoming envoy reportedly urged faster action ahead of January’s inauguration. Mossad and Shin Bet leaders are now in Doha negotiating with Qatari and US mediators – a move one analyst called \"Mission: Impossible-level diplomacy.\"
With over 46,500 lives lost since October 2023, the world watches to see if this week’s talks will finally turn ceasefire from hashtag to reality. 🌍✌️
