Mediation efforts
International mediators strive to swap Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Gaza during a potential month-long ceasefire, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday. The US advocates Gaza War End: Amid Israel’s Soldier Losses
Qatar, U.S. And Egypt Diplomacy:
Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt engage in shuttle diplomacy since December 28, aiming to exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Israel and Hamas tentatively agree on a framework plan but differ on how to permanently end the Gaza war.
The U.S. State Department, White House, Qatar’s foreign ministry, and Egypt’s State Information Service haven’t responded to Reuters’ report.
Deaths of Israel’s Soldiers:
On Monday, Israel faced its deadliest day in over three months of conflict, with 24 soldiers killed in two separate incidents. Israeli officials reiterated unchanged objectives in their war against Hamas and on-going efforts to secure the release of over 100 hostages.
Fighting until absolute victory
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares an unwavering commitment to continue fighting until achieving absolute victory in the conflict. Government spokesman Eylon Levy emphasizes that no ceasefire will be accepted if it leaves Hamas in power and hostages in Gaza.
This stance follows Hamas’s cross-border rampage on October 7, resulting in the death of around 1,200 Israelis.
Palestinian Casualties:
In the past 24 hours, Palestinian health officials report 195 deaths, raising the toll from Israeli strikes to 25,490, with many feared trapped.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns the unprecedented destruction in Gaza, denouncing Israel’s opposition to a Palestinian state.
On the day of the soldiers’ deaths, Israel launches its largest operation in a month, targeting remaining parts of Khan Younis.
Israeli forces claim to have killed over 100 militants in western Khan Younis in the last 24 hours, part of a total of 9,000 militants.
U.S. Envoy In Cairo:
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari presents ideas to both sides, receiving replies and expressing optimism about ongoing discussions.
White House spokesperson John Kirby confirms U.S. envoy Brett McGurk’s active discussions in the region on securing hostage release and humanitarian pause.
Blame is exchanged between the warring sides for the November truce collapse, failing to extend the daily release of hostages.
Tanks Shut Khan Younis Road:
Hamas’ armed wing claims responsibility for a rocket attack, killing 21 Israeli soldiers. Israeli military says the rockets hit a building.
A separate attack results in three more soldier casualties. Since late October, a total of 220 Israeli soldiers have been killed.
Advancing Israeli tanks block the road out of Khan Younis, hindering civilians’ escape route towards Rafah on Gaza’s southern edge.
Blockade of Hospitals:
Israeli blockades on hospitals prevent rescuing the wounded, according to Palestinian officials. At a southern Khan Younis hospital, a resident brings in five corpses, found on the street.
The largest hospital in Khan Younis faces challenges, burying bodies on-site due to safety concerns. On-going shelling hampers transferring critical cases from the Nasser Medical Complex to a nearby field hospital. Israel claims Hamas operates near hospitals, a charge denied by hospital staff and Hamas. U.N. coordinator Martin Griffiths reports 24 deaths from strikes on an aid warehouse, U.N. center, and humanitarian zone in Khan Younis.
