Israeli Airstrikes Reportedly Claim Nine Lives as Hamas Reiterates Ceasefire Conditions
The fragile ceasefire in Gaza is at risk as Hamas takes a firmer stance in negotiations following renewed Israeli airstrikes in the region. The initial phase of the ceasefire concluded two weeks ago, but Israel has not moved forward with the second phase, which involves its withdrawal from Gaza, the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas, and a permanent end to the conflict.
Although both parties have not resumed full-scale conflict, Israel has intensified airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties. Israeli military officials claim the targets were legitimate, involving individuals in unauthorized zones or engaged in militant activities.
On Saturday, airstrikes in northern Gaza reportedly killed nine people, according to local sources. The first strike occurred as Palestinian journalist Mahmoud Aslim was using a drone in Beit Lahiya to scout locations for temporary camps for a charity. A second strike hit a vehicle evacuating the injured. The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Center reported that three journalists were among the dead.
The Israeli military stated that the initial strike targeted two individuals operating a threatening drone, followed by a second strike on a group retrieving the drone. The army labeled all those targeted as suspected militants but did not provide evidence.
Hamas accused Israel of intentional killings aimed at sabotaging the ceasefire and prisoner exchange efforts, challenging mediators and the international community. Gaza's Ministry of Health reported 19 deaths from Israeli strikes over the past two days, with the 15-month offensive's toll exceeding 48,500, mostly civilians. Hamas still holds 59 hostages, with 35 believed dead.
Hamas offered to release American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander if Israel adheres to the ceasefire terms established in January. The U.S. dismissed the offer, accusing Hamas of stalling with unrealistic demands. Alexander, a U.S. native and Israeli Defense Forces soldier, was captured during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel has not commented on Hamas's latest statement, while the U.S. accused Hamas of public flexibility but private impracticality in demands.
Indirect talks in Egypt and Qatar are ongoing, with the U.S. proposing a ceasefire extension to negotiate a lasting truce. For two weeks, Israel has blocked food, fuel, and supplies to Gaza's 2 million residents, cutting electricity a week ago to pressure Hamas into accepting the new proposal. Hamas insists on hostage releases only if Israel lifts the blockade, withdraws from a strategic border corridor, and frees more Palestinian prisoners.
The war has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its population. The ceasefire's initial phase saw the release of 25 Israeli hostages and the bodies of eight others in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, with Israeli forces retreating to a buffer zone and allowing increased humanitarian aid.