Israeli Officials to Discuss Next Steps in Gaza Talks Amidst Calls for Ceasefire
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip – Israeli officials are set to meet on Saturday night to discuss the next steps in the ongoing talks with the United States, Egypt, and Qatar regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the Cabinet will convene early next week to approve operational plans for action in Rafah, including the evacuation of civilians. This move comes despite widespread international warnings against a military ground operation in the southern city, where more than half of Gaza’s population seeks shelter.
Netanyahu emphasized that a combination of military pressure and firm negotiations is necessary to achieve Israel’s aims in the war. However, a senior Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that mediators are waiting for Israel’s official response to a draft deal. The proposed deal includes the release of up to 40 women and older hostages held in Gaza in exchange for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, primarily women, minors, and older individuals.
The negotiations face an unofficial deadline of the start of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which falls around March 10. The urgency to reach a resolution is evident as both sides have agreed to continue negotiations during a proposed six-week pause in fighting. This pause would also allow hundreds of aid trucks to enter Gaza daily, providing much-needed relief to the northern half of the besieged territory.
Hamas, the militant group ruling Gaza, was not present at the talks but has made its demands clear. Hamas political official Osama Hamdan stated that Israel had refused their main demands, which include stopping the aggression and withdrawing from Gaza. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that the bodies of 92 Palestinians killed in Israeli bombardments were brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours. This brings the overall death toll in nearly five months of war to 29,606, with nearly 70,000 wounded. While the ministry’s death toll does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, it has stated that two-thirds of those killed were children and women. Israel claims to have killed over 10,000 Hamas fighters but has not provided detailed information.
The situation in Gaza continues to escalate, with an Israeli airstrike hitting a house in Rafah and killing at least eight people, including four women and a child. The devastating impact of the conflict is evident in the words of neighbor Abdul-Qader Shubeir, who expressed his desperation, saying, “Enough, enough. Either the Israelis or us should stop. There should be a truce.”
The conflict has also sparked international controversy, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. Lula’s comments follow a previous comparison he made between Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and the Nazi Holocaust during World War II. Israel has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that its war targets the militant group Hamas rather than the Palestinian people. The tensions between Brazil and Israel have escalated, leading to Israel declaring Lula a persona non grata and demanding an apology. In response, Lula recalled Brazil’s ambassador to Israel for consultations.
The issue of genocide has also been raised by South Africa, which filed a landmark case with the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians. The court issued a preliminary order urging Israel to do everything possible to prevent death, destruction, and acts of genocide in Gaza. Israel, founded as a refuge for Holocaust survivors, has accused South Africa of hypocrisy, drawing parallels between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza and the treatment of Black South Africans during apartheid.
As the conflict rages on, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Hunger and infectious diseases are spreading rapidly, with approximately 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people being displaced. The situation is particularly dire in Rafah, where 1.4 million people are crowded together on the border with Egypt. Displaced individuals describe the area as terrifying, with skyrocketing prices, no source of income, and uncollected garbage piling up. Protests demanding more aid have erupted in Beit Lahiya, where children banged on pots outside a closed hospital.
While Netanyahu has vowed to fight until “total victory,” he faces increasing pressure at home. Anti-government protesters took to the streets in Tel Aviv, leading to clashes with the police and 18 arrests. Similar protests also occurred in Jerusalem.
The negotiations and discussions surrounding the conflict in Gaza are at a critical juncture. The international community is calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis. The coming days will determine whether a resolution can be reached to bring an end to the violence and suffering in Gaza.
