US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday in an attempt to resume indirect talks on a ceasefire in Gaza and help address the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave, reports „Reuters“, reports News.bg.
Negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas in Doha last week ended in failure, with both sides blaming each other for the blockade. The main disagreements remain over the extent of the Israeli force withdrawal.
Witkoff will meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a time when Israel is under increased international pressure. Canada has become the latest Western country to announce its intention to recognize a Palestinian state.
Israel has already sent a response to Hamas' latest proposals regarding the US plan for a 60-day ceasefire and a hostage exchange for Palestinian prisoners. There has been no official reaction from Hamas yet.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is worsening. Medical sources report at least 23 people killed in Israeli attacks, including 12 who died while trying to receive humanitarian aid near the Israeli-controlled Netzarim area. The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident.
According to the Gaza health ministry, 154 deaths from hunger and malnutrition have been recorded since the start of the conflict, including at least 89 children.
Facing international outrage, Israel announced on Sunday that it would halt military operations for 10 hours a day in certain areas and provide safe routes for humanitarian convoys. However, the United Nations warned that the food delivered fell far short of what was needed.
Even when aid reaches the enclave, residents are at risk of Israeli fire and attacks by armed groups trying to get it.
Prime Minister Netanyahu continues to insist that he will not stop military operations until Hamas withdraws from governing Gaza and disarms. A demand the group categorically rejects.
International pressure is mounting. Qatar and Egypt, mediators in the negotiations, on Tuesday backed a French-Saudi initiative to resolve the conflict through the creation of a Palestinian state. It calls for Hamas to hand over control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank. Israel has rejected the idea.
Tel Aviv has strongly condemned initiatives by France, Britain and Canada that are considering recognizing a Palestinian state. A move that Israeli officials say would reward Hamas's terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.