Ceasefire talks in Gaza have hit a major roadblock over the extent of Israeli military withdrawal. Negotiations, based on a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, have been ongoing for seven days but remain mired in disagreement.
An Israeli official noted that the stalemate is due to what he described as Hamas sticking to its positions, making progress difficult during indirect talks in Doha and Qatar. In a worrying twist, medics in Gaza reported that 17 people seeking food aid were killed when Israeli troops opened fire 😢. Eyewitness accounts describe a harrowing scene with individuals struck in the head and torso, though the Israeli military stated that only warning shots were fired and a review found no evidence of injuries from their fire.
Further complicating the situation, discussions also focus on other pressing issues like the phased release of hostages and territorial control over Gaza. Palestinian sources claim that Hamas has rejected withdrawal maps proposed by Israel that would leave roughly 40% of Gaza under Israeli control, including strategic areas like Rafah. Meanwhile, some Israeli sources mentioned that Hamas is urging a return to previous ceasefire boundaries established before the renewed offensive in March.
With humanitarian needs escalating and the conflict intensifying, the stakes are high. Amid these challenges, many young, tech-savvy minds across South and Southeast Asia are keeping a close eye on the developments, hoping that a breakthrough will lead to lasting peace 🤞.
Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving story.
Reference(s):
Gaza truce talks falter over Israeli withdrawal as 17 people killed
cgtn.com
