Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen clashed over the weekend across the Gaza Strip, according to reports from both sides on Sunday. This comes as mediators from various countries work to find common ground for a potential ceasefire, aiming to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
However, the possibility of reaching a truce remains uncertain. Israel has stated its intention to intensify efforts to dismantle Hamas, while the Islamist faction insists on a permanent resolution to the months-long conflict.
Residents reported heavy shelling in several areas of Gaza, with tanks entering Beit Lahiya and ongoing battles in the Zeitoun sector of Gaza City, both located in the northern part of the enclave.
The violence resulted in the deaths of at least 86 Palestinians in Israeli airstrikes since Saturday, according to medics. Israel’s military confirmed the deaths of two soldiers in clashes in southern Gaza and reported the killing or capture of several Palestinian gunmen in Zeitoun and other areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet for a briefing after intelligence chiefs returned from a meeting with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in Paris, discussing the possibility of a second Gaza ceasefire.
In November, a previous ceasefire led to the release of around half of the 253 people captured by Hamas during a cross-border attack in October. Israel agreed to release three times as many Palestinians from its prisons and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Reports from Israeli media, citing unnamed officials, suggest a potential framework for the release of about a third of the remaining 130 hostages in Gaza over a six-week truce coinciding with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. However, there has been no official confirmation from either side.
Palestinian officials insist that any ceasefire agreement must include Israel halting its offensive and withdrawing its forces. Israel, on the other hand, has indicated its intention to target remaining Hamas strongholds.
Netanyahu stated on Facebook that efforts are underway to secure the release of abducted individuals and to eliminate Hamas battalions in Rafah, a town in southern Gaza near the border with Egypt.
This week, the Israeli security cabinet is expected to approve military plans for Rafah, including the evacuation of over a million displaced Palestinian civilians who have sought shelter there, raising concerns among world powers about their fate.
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