CAIRO. Israel and Hamas continue to grapple over the terms of a potential ceasefire deal and the release of hostages, as Israeli airstrikes intensified across the Gaza Strip, leaving over 100 Palestinians dead over the weekend, according to Palestinian health officials.
A Hamas representative revealed that the group had approved a list of 34 Israeli hostages to be released as part of the ongoing negotiations. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office swiftly dismissed the claim, asserting that Hamas had not provided a formal list. Hours later, a Hamas official shared the alleged list with Reuters, underscoring the group’s commitment to a potential agreement.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire in the 15-month-long conflict have gained momentum as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration approaches on Jan. 20. The proposed deal includes the release of Israeli hostages and discussions of a long-term truce. However, the talks remain fraught with disagreements.
Israeli negotiators resumed discussions in Doha on Friday, with mediation efforts led by Qatari and Egyptian officials and supported by the Biden administration. A Hamas official stated, “Any agreement to return Israeli hostages would hinge on a deal for Israel to withdraw from Gaza and establish a permanent ceasefire.” The official added, “However, until now, the occupation continues to be obstinate over an agreement over the issues of the ceasefire and withdrawal, and has made no step forward.”
Netanyahu has remained firm in his stance, reiterating that the war will only end when Hamas is dismantled as a military and governing entity.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 attack on southern Israeli communities, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In response, Israel launched a comprehensive military campaign that has leveled large parts of Gaza and displaced most of its population. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that 45,805 Palestinians have been killed since the campaign began.
Israeli airstrikes on Sunday claimed 17 lives, targeting residential areas and public facilities. In the Nuseirat camp, in central Gaza, five people perished in a single strike, while another airstrike in Jabalia killed four. Later, a police station in Khan Younis was bombed, killing five, though it was unclear if all victims were police officers.
Medics in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood continued to search for survivors after a late Saturday airstrike destroyed the Zuhd family home, killing seven individuals. “We are doing everything with our bare hands. There’s no equipment,” said one rescuer.
In total, Israeli forces claimed to have struck over 100 targets in Gaza over the weekend, with the military asserting that dozens of Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants were killed in the attacks. Among them was a militant reportedly involved in the Oct. 7 assault on Israel.
The U.S. State Department urged Israel to adhere to international law and take stronger measures to protect civilians while reaffirming its support for Israel’s right to defend itself.
As negotiations continue, the international community remains divided over the resolution of the conflict, with growing calls for both sides to prioritize humanitarian concerns and de-escalate.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
