Gaza: Plumes of smoke rise as airstrikes hit Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Efforts for Peace: After four months of relentless attacks by Israel Defense Forces on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 30,000 Palestinians, Qatar, acting as a mediator, has reported that Hamas has responded positively to a proposed ceasefire. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, visiting the region for the fifth time in four months, is pushing for a lasting solution to the conflict.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced that Hamas has provided a "generally positive" response regarding the framework of a ceasefire agreement, following discussions with Blinken in Doha.
Blinken confirmed that Hamas' response has been communicated to Israel and that they are examining it closely. He expressed determination to work towards reaching an agreement.
Hamas acknowledged delivering its response to proposals discussed in Paris, facilitated by Qatar and other mediators.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on the response but reiterated his commitment to achieving victory in the conflict.
Recap of the Conflict: The conflict erupted with a series of Hamas attacks on Israel in October, resulting in approximately 1,160 deaths, mostly civilians, based on AFP estimates using official Israeli figures. Hamas militants also reportedly took around 250 hostages, with Israel claiming that 132 remain in Gaza, including some believed to have been killed.
Israel responded with airstrikes and ground operations, causing extensive casualties in Gaza. The humanitarian situation in the region has been described as catastrophic by the United Nations, rights groups, and charities. The ongoing violence has destroyed infrastructure, displaced half of Gaza's population, and caused shortages of essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medicine.
Despite international appeals for peace, heavy fighting continues, with Gaza's health ministry reporting a significant death toll, including six policemen killed while delivering aid.
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