By W. G. S. D. Wijesinghe, Jadetimes news
Residents of Gaza City report experiencing one of the most intense Israeli bombardments since the war on Hamas began following the group's unprecedented attack on October 7. Columns of Israeli tanks are reportedly converging on the city center from multiple directions.
The Gaza Civil Emergency Service has indicated that several people are believed to have been killed, although rescue efforts have been hindered by ongoing fighting in various eastern and western districts of Gaza City. The Al Ahli Baptist hospital has been evacuated, with patients transferred to the already overcrowded Indonesian hospital, one of the few medical facilities still operational in the area.
A senior Palestinian official informed that indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel regarding a ceasefire and hostage release deal are expected to resume in Qatar within 48 hours. A preliminary meeting is set to take place in Egypt on Monday, involving US, Israeli, and Egyptian intelligence chiefs.
Prior to the assault on Gaza City, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders for several central neighborhoods, including Tuffah, Daraj, and the Old City. However, Tel al Hawa, one of the most heavily bombarded areas, was initially not included in the evacuation order posted by the IDF Arabic spokesperson. On Monday afternoon, a new order covering Tel al Hawa, as well as the Sabra and al Rimal areas, was issued.
Residents of Gaza City are expressing uncertainty about where to seek refuge. Abdel Ghani, a resident, asked, "The enemy is behind us and the sea is in front of us, where shall we go?" Others have echoed similar concerns, stating that their only option is to head north toward the port area. Some residents who evacuated to new areas found themselves under bombardment again.
A freelance cameraman for the BBC in al Rimal reported that he did not receive an evacuation order, but his neighbor did. He and his family moved north to the port area, where they now struggle to access basic necessities, including water for his children.
The IDF confirmed launching a new operation in Tel al Hawa overnight, citing intelligence on Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad infrastructure and fighters in the area. The IDF also stated that it was operating near the headquarters of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA). The military claimed it issued warnings to civilians and established a humanitarian corridor for those wishing to leave.
Amid these developments, there is hope for a ceasefire agreement. A senior Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told that indirect talks between Hamas and Israeli teams, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, will commence in Doha within 48 hours. A preparatory meeting is set for Cairo on Monday, involving CIA Director William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, and Egyptian Intelligence Head Abbas Kamel, who will then travel to Doha on Tuesday.
The official outlined several key sticking points for Hamas,
- Hamas demands the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Rafah crossing with Egypt and the Philadelphi corridor.
- Israel has rejected Hamas’s demand for the release of 100 senior figures from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Fatah factions.
- Hamas has dropped its requirement for Israel to agree to a permanent ceasefire as a precondition for any potential deal.
The official noted that while the negotiating process will be long and complex, there is some hope for success. However, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office emphasized that any deal must not prevent Israel from resuming its military operations in Gaza until its war objectives are achieved. Netanyahu has consistently stated that the goal is to eradicate Hamas both militarily and politically.
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