&w=3840&q=100)
Israel controls 75% of Gaza, it's now moving into the other part
The Ansar Mosque and an adjacent cemetery in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza. Source: AFP
Israel on Sunday (July 20) announced its first military operation into Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza town previously avoided due to concerns for hostages, as it accused Palestinian militant group Hamas of obstructing US-mediated ceasefire talks.
The Israeli military ordered Palestinians in parts of Deir al-Balah to evacuate south to a tent city for civilians displaced by the 21-month war.
The fighting in the besieged territory has intensified after a truce collapsed in early May.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Israel's control over flow of humanitarian aid
Tensions have escalated over the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israel shifted from traditional aid channels to the US-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which it claimed would weaken Hamas.
The UN has labelled the GHF discriminatory and inadequate to prevent famine for many Gazans.
Concurrently, Israel launched operations to seize Palestinian territory, aiming to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages from its October 7, 2023, attack that ignited the war.
That assault killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 250 abducted, with about 50 hostages remaining, 20 believed alive.
Hamas has not disclosed their locations, threatening executions if Israeli forces approach.
Israel now controls roughly 75 per cent of Gaza, but Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal for any ceasefire or hostage release, a demand Israel rejects.
Why has Israel avoided Deir al-Balah so far?
Deir al-Balah, one of Gaza's few areas with standing buildings, was spared due to intelligence suggesting hostages were held there, though it's uncertain if this still holds.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed alarm over the Deir al-Balah operation, stating, 'For the hostages, this is not a negotiating 'bargaining chip,' but a clear and present danger to their fates. Enough! A sweeping majority of the nation of Israel wants the war ended in a comprehensive deal that returns all of the hostages.'
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Talks on to secure release of hostages
On July 6, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched negotiators to Qatar, a Hamas intermediary, before a White House visit where he and US President Donald Trump expressed optimism for a diplomatic resolution to free 10 living and 18 deceased hostages.
Minister Gila Gamliel accused Hamas of stalling, anticipating progress once Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, joins talks.
'The moment he runs things in Doha, we will see what the ramifications are,' she told Israel's Army Radio.
Hamas, designated a terrorist group by much of the West, warned that the deadlock threatens hostages.
'We have sustained their survival as much as possible, until now,' said Abu Obeida, Hamas's armed wing spokesperson, on Friday.
'If the criminal enemy obstructs or withdraws from this round, we cannot guarantee a return to partial deals or to the proposal for the release of 10 captives.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
‘Probably will know in an hour…': Donald Trump and EU chief begin trade deal talks in Scotland; seen as make-or-break
Donald Trump trade deals (AI image) US-EU trade deal: US President Donald Trump has begun trade deal talks with European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen in Scotland. Ahead of the talks, Trump spoke of the likelihood of a trade deal saying, '. .probably will know in an hour.' Trump and Ursula von der Leyen are looking to resolve a prolonged transatlantic trade dispute as the deadline approaches. Earlier Trump indicated a 50 percent probability of reaching an agreement with the European Union, which faces a reciprocal tariff of 30% unless a trade agreement is secured by August 1, with US officials confirming on Sunday that "no extensions" would be granted. Von der Leyen's European Commission, representing EU member states, is actively pursuing an agreement to protect trade relations valued at $1.9 trillion annually in goods and services. An EU diplomatic source told AFP that a framework for agreement emerged following late-night discussions on Saturday, several crucial matters remained unresolved. The ultimate decision remains with Trump. A diplomatic source was quoted as saying that while a political agreement exists, it awaits Trump's approval, who is maintaining negotiations until the final moment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo The suggested arrangement includes a standard 15% tariff on European Union exports to the US, matching Japan's agreement, with exemptions for crucial industries such as aircraft and spirits, excluding wine. EU member states must ratify any agreement. Their ambassadors, whilst in Greenland, received updates from the commission and planned subsequent meetings following potential agreement confirmation. The EU representative indicated that the 27 nations broadly supported the proposed arrangement, whilst maintaining their established negotiating positions. The summit between Trump and von der Leyen is taking place at Turnberry along Scotland's southwestern shoreline, at the president's golf establishment, where he spent considerable time playing over the weekend. Trump, aged 79, expressed on Friday his aspiration to achieve a significant agreement with the EU. "I think we have a good 50-50 chance," the president stated, noting approximately 20 unresolved matters. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Trump says US very close to a deal with China, 50-50 chance of having a deal with EU
US President Donald Trump today said that the United States is very close to a deal with China. During a press briefing with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen , Trump also said that there is a 50-50 chance of having a US-EU trade deal but he said that the main sticking point is the fairness.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Gaza receives emergency food drops from Jordan, UAE, and Israel as UN warns of mass starvation
Jordanian and Emirati planes dropped food into Gaza on Sunday as Israel launched a limited 'tactical pause' in military operations to address a worsening hunger crisis. The UN has warned of famine-like conditions affecting hundreds of thousands. read more Jordanian and Emirati planes dropped food into Gaza on Sunday, as Israel began a limited 'tactical pause' in military operations to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis. The Israeli military said it had also begun airdropping food into the Palestinian territory – making one drop of seven palettes – while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected what he characterised as UN 'lies' that his government was to blame for the dire humanitarian situation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The army also dismissed allegations that it had been using starvation as a weapon, saying it had coordinated with the UN and international agencies to 'increase the scale of humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip'. UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher welcomed the tactical pauses, saying he was in 'contact with our teams on the ground who will do all we can to reach as many starving people as we can in this window'. But the UN's World Food Programme said a third of the population of Gaza had not eaten for days, and 470,000 people were 'enduring famine-like conditions' that were already leading to deaths. The Israeli decision came as international pressure mounted on Netanyahu's government to head off the risk of mass starvation in the territory. Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined the chorus of concern on Sunday, urging Netanyahu 'to provide the starving civilian population in Gaza with urgently needed humanitarian aid now.' Accusing the UN of fabricating 'pretexts and lies about Israel' blocking aid, Netanyahu said in remarks at an airbase that 'there are secure routes' for aid. 'There have always been, but today it's official. There will be no more excuses,' he added. Since Israel imposed a total blockade on aid entering Gaza on March 2, the situation inside the territory has deteriorated sharply. More than 100 NGOs warned this week of 'mass starvation'. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Though aid has trickled back in since late May, the UN and humanitarian agencies say Israeli restrictions remain excessive and road access inside Gaza is tightly controlled. 'Life's wish' The Jordanian military said its planes, working with the United Arab Emirates, had delivered 25 tonnes of aid in three parachute drops over Gaza on Sunday. Truckloads of flour were also seen arriving in northern Gaza through the Zikim area crossing from Israel, according to AFP journalists. The charity Oxfam's regional policy chief Bushra Khalidi called Israel's latest moves a 'welcome first step' but warned they could prove insufficient. 'Starvation won't be solved by a few trucks or airdrops,' she said. 'What's needed is a real humanitarian response: ceasefire, full access, all crossings open, and a steady, large-scale flow of aid into Gaza. 'We need a permanent ceasefire, a complete lifting of the siege.' In general, humanitarian officials are deeply sceptical airdrops can deliver enough food safely to tackle the hunger crisis facing Gaza's more than two million inhabitants. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Gaza City's Tel al-Hawa district, 30-year-old Suad Ishtaywi said her 'life's wish' was to simply feed her children. She spoke of her husband returning empty-handed from aid points daily. Chaotic scenes broke out at the site where Israel conducted its first food drop, witnesses told AFP. Samih Humeid, a 23-year-old from the Al-Karama neighbourhood of Gaza City, said dozens of people had gathered to rush towards the palettes of supplies parachuted onto the area. 'It felt like a war, everyone trying to grab whatever they could. Hunger is merciless. The quantities were extremely limited, not enough even for a few people, because hunger is everywhere. I only managed to get three cans of fava beans,' he said. In a social media post, the Israeli military announced it had 'carried out an airdrop of humanitarian aid as part of the ongoing efforts to allow and facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip'. AFP journalists saw Egyptian trucks crossing from Rafah, with cargo routed through Israel's Kerem Shalom checkpoint for inspection before entering Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Israeli army's daily pause from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm will be limited to areas where its troops are not currently operating – Al-Mawasi in the south, central Deir el-Balah and Gaza City in the north. Israel said 'designated secure routes' would also open across Gaza for aid convoys carrying food and medicine. The military said the measures should disprove 'the false claim of deliberate starvation'. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant, citing 'reasonable grounds' to suspect war crimes including starvation – charges Israel vehemently denies. Activists intercepted On Sunday, according to the Gaza civil defence agency, Israeli army fire killed 27 Palestinians, 12 of them near aid distribution areas. Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency and other parties. Separately, the Israeli navy brought an activist boat, the Handala operated by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, into the part of Ashdod, after intercepting and boarding it late Saturday to prevent it attempting to breach a maritime blockade of Gaza. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The legal rights centre Adalah told AFP its lawyers were in Ashdod and had met with 19 of the 21 detained activists and journalists from 10 countries. The other two detainees, dual US-Israeli nationals, had been transferred to Israeli police custody, the group said. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The Israeli campaign has killed 59,733 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.
