Israel and Gaza: Ongoing Conflict and Ceasefire Negotiations
High-tech Surveillance System at the Gaza-Egypt Border
Humanitarian Crisis and Casualties in Gaza
Regional Reactions and Hezbollah's Involvement
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza has seen multiple developments, with significant efforts towards negotiating a ceasefire. Two Egyptian sources and a third informed source told Reuters that Israeli and Egyptian negotiators are discussing an electronic monitoring system on the Gaza-Egypt border. This system could potentially allow the withdrawal of Israeli forces if a ceasefire is agreed upon. The primary focus of the discussions is on sensors to monitor tunnels and prevent weapon smuggling into Gaza.
The presence of Israeli forces on the border is a contentious issue in the ceasefire negotiations. Hamas and Egypt oppose Israel's demand to keep its forces there. However, Egypt does not oppose a high-tech surveillance system if the United States supports and funds it. The negotiations, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aim to reach an agreement for a prisoner exchange and ceasefire.
Humanitarian Crisis and Casualties in Gaza
Amid the conflict, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the death toll from the Israeli offensive has risen to 38,295, with most victims being women and children. In the last 24 hours alone, 52 Palestinians have lost their lives, and many more are injured. The ministry estimates that thousands are trapped under the rubble of demolished buildings.
Truck drivers carrying humanitarian aid have been waiting for weeks at the Kerem Shalom border crossing to deliver food and medical supplies to Gaza. The closure of the Rafah crossing has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with many hospitals and clinics shutting down due to a lack of supplies.
Regional Reactions and Hezbollah's Involvement
The conflict has also seen reactions from regional actors. Hezbollah's leader, Hasan Nasrallah, has stated that the militia will cease fighting on the border with Israel if a ceasefire is achieved in Gaza. However, following the assassination of a senior commander, Hezbollah launched its largest attack against Israel since October, firing over 200 rockets and 20 explosive drones.
In response to Israeli attacks, Hezbollah has continued its operations, including launching rockets at Israeli targets in the Golan Heights. The border between Israel and Lebanon has seen its highest tension since 2006, with intense exchanges of fire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized his support for a deal with Hamas that allows the army to resume fighting after hostages are freed. The negotiations, involving high-level mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US, are ongoing, with the aim of reaching a ceasefire and facilitating humanitarian aid into Gaza.
