Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza killed at least eight people, including a local journalist, on Saturday, as tensions escalated amid stalled ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas has offered to release an American-Israeli hostage and the bodies of four others, but only if Israel implements the existing ceasefire agreement. The situation remains dire, with fuel shortages crippling water supplies in Gaza, and no breakthrough in negotiations despite continued mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar.
1. Israeli airstrikes kill 8, including journalist
- Palestinian medics report at least eight people killed in Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya on Saturday.
- The Indonesian Hospital confirmed receiving eight bodies from two strikes in the same area.
- Among the dead was Mahmoud Islim, a local journalist operating a drone, per emergency services chief Fares Awad.
2. Hamas sets ceasefire conditions for hostage release
- Hamas offers to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander (21) and bodies of four others, but demands Israel first implement the current ceasefire deal.
- A senior Hamas official stated the next phase of talks should begin on the day of the release and last no more than 50 days.
Hamas also demands:
- Israel stops blocking humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- Israeli withdrawal from the
Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border. - The release of more Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages.
3. Israel skeptical of Hamas’ offer
- Israel has not formally responded, as government offices were closed for the Sabbath.
- PM Netanyahu’s office previously dismissed Hamas’ conditions as “manipulation and psychological warfare”.
- The U.S. proposed a temporary ceasefire extension on Wednesday, accusing Hamas of publicly appearing flexible but making “impractical” demands in private.
4. Fuel shortages halt water supply in Gaza
- A fuel blockade imposed by Israel has shut down dozens of wells in Rafah, worsening Gaza’s water crisis.
- Ahmed al-Sufi, head of Rafah’s municipality, warned the fuel shortage is crippling essential services and escalating health risks.
5. Ongoing ceasefire negotiations
- Talks continue in Cairo, with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya arriving in Egypt for discussions.
- Mediators Egypt and Qatar remain silent on the latest developments.
- Under the January ceasefire deal, Hamas was to release all remaining hostages in exchange for a permanent truce, but only preliminary talks have occurred.
6. Israel-Hamas war: The toll so far
- The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.
- Currently, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, 24 of whom are believed to be alive.
- Israel’s military response has killed over 48,000 Palestinians, per Gaza’s Health Ministry, though Israel claims 20,000 were militants.
- The war has devastated Gaza, displacing millions and leaving most residents reliant on aid.
7. Next steps in the conflict
- The US, Egypt, and Qatar continue mediation efforts.
- Israel insists it won’t withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor, citing security concerns over arms smuggling.
- Hamas and Israel remain locked in a deadlock over hostage exchanges and long-term ceasefire terms.
