JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened his war cabinet on Sunday to address the latest efforts towards a Gaza truce and a hostage release deal. This comes despite ongoing deadly clashes and a rocket barrage aimed at Tel Aviv by Hamas.
The meeting, held at 9:00 PM local time, was announced by a senior Israeli official, who confirmed that the primary focus was to discuss a potential agreement to release hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. This development follows renewed international efforts led by US President Joe Biden and recent negotiations involving CIA chief Bill Burns, Mossad director David Barnea, and Qatar’s prime minister.
Hamas has maintained that any agreement must include a permanent end to hostilities, a condition Netanyahu has so far refused. Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq stated there had been no new proposals from mediators and accused Netanyahu of seeking to prolong the aggression.
Despite ongoing negotiations, the conflict rages on. Israel’s military reported targeting over 50 terror sites across Gaza, with significant operations in Rafah aimed at dismantling remaining Hamas battalions. The health ministry in Gaza reports over 35,984 deaths, mostly civilians, due to Israel’s retaliatory strikes.
The international community has shown increasing concern over the high civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has warned of looming famine, with many hospitals no longer operational. Israel has increased aid deliveries, but conditions remain dire.
In a significant move, the International Criminal Court announced plans to seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders on war crimes charges. Additionally, Ireland, Norway, and Spain declared they would recognize Palestinian statehood by May 28.
The International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, raising hopes among displaced Gazans for an end to the violence. However, military operations and diplomatic efforts for a truce continue amid this volatile situation.
