Prospects for a Gaza ceasefire appeared slim as Hamas reiterated its demand for an end to the war in exchange for the freeing of hostages, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flatly ruled that out.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war' following a surprise attack from Gaza by Hamas militants.

Israel-Gaza War

The situation in Gaza remains tense as the hope for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas fades. The deadlock continues as both parties stick to their demands, making the prospects for peace slim. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas' conditions for a truce, which include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent cessation of hostilities, leaving Hamas in control of the region. Netanyahu stated that Israel cannot accept such terms.

Hamas has accused Israel of ruining the potential for peace. Ismail Haniyeh, the chief of Hamas, criticized Netanyahu for obstructing the efforts of mediators involved in the ceasefire talks happening in Cairo. With the absence of any change in stance from Netanyahu, mediators feel there might be no point in continued negotiations as the conflict persists.

Following an alleged attack by Hamas at the Kerem Shalom crossing, Israel announced the closure of this vital passageway, which had been used to deliver humanitarian aid into Gaza. The ongoing war, initiated by a surprise cross-border raid by Hamas on October 7, has led to significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis. Israel reported 1,200 fatalities on its side and over 250 hostages taken during the raid, while more than 34,600 Palestinians have been killed according to the Gaza health ministry.

As the humanitarian situation worsens, Israel has hinted at a potential ground operation in Rafah, a southern Gaza city home to over a million displaced residents and believed to harbor thousands of Hamas fighters and hostages. The United Nations has expressed concern that such an action could endanger thousands of lives. Amidst this backdrop, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant was shown meeting with commanders in Gaza, signaling that military actions might intensify soon.

Internal pressure is mounting on Netanyahu as thousands of Israelis took to the streets to demand a ceasefire agreement that would secure the release of the remaining hostages. Amidst the continued fighting and stalled ceasefire talks, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the violence and suffering in the region.



Gaza truce hopes fade as Israel, Hamas trade blame

Video obtained by Reuters shows the rubble following what Palestinians said was an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip. And it comes amid what seem to be dwindling prospects for ceasefire talks in Cairo. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday flat out rejected what he said were Hamas' demands for a potential truce. Netanyahu said the Palestinian Islamist group wanted the removal of all Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent end to the fighting, which would leave Hamas in power. He said, quote, the state of Israel cannot accept that. Hamas meanwhile blamed Israel for the impasse. In a statement, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh accused Netanyahu of, quote, sabotaging efforts made through the mediators. A Palestinian official close to the mediation effort told Reuters on Sunday, quote, if Netanyahu doesn't change his mind, there will be no reason to stay. And the fighting continues. Israeli soldiers at the Kerem Shalom crossing between Gaza and Israel inspected armored vehicles after Hamas claimed it had attacked the position on Sunday. Earlier in the day, trucks carrying desperately needed humanitarian aid passed through the crossing, but following the attack, Israel said the crossing had been closed. The war began after Hamas stunned Israel with a cross-border raid on October 7, in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and over 250 hostages taken. More than 34,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's subsequent assault, according to Gaza's health ministry. The bombardment has devastated much of the coastal enclave and caused a humanitarian crisis. Israel has been warning for months it plans to send troops into Rafah, the southern city bordering Egypt, where more than a million displaced Gaza residents have taken refuge. Israel believes thousands of Hamas fighters are holed up in the city, along with potentially dozens of hostages. The United Nations on Friday warned such an operation would potentially put thousands more lives at risk. The Israeli military on Sunday released video of Defense Minister Yoav Galant meeting commanders in Gaza. Galant said there were signs Hamas did not intend to reach an agreement. He said, quote, this means strong military action in Rafah will begin in the very near future and in the rest of the Strip. But the deadlock in Cairo continues to turn up the heat on Netanyahu. Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday, demanding the prime minister accept a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that would see the remaining hostages brought home.

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Rafah

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Aid trucks begin moving through Gaza pier, U.S. says

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Kharkiv

Ukraine Invasion

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Handlová

Slovakia PM in stable condition after surgery

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Israel-Gaza War