Truce talks are all set to resume next week between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel, who have been fighting in Gaza since October 7 last year.

If materialised, the deal would see Hamas release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

News agency Reuters quoted a source as saying that the decision&nbsp;was taken&nbsp;after the chief of Israel spy agency Mossad met with the head of the US intelligence agency CIA and the prime minister of Qatar.

Watch:&nbsp;Hezbollah barrages deal heavy damage in Northern Israel

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"At the end of the meeting, it was decided that in the coming week negotiations will open based on new proposals led by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar and with active US involvement,"&nbsp;the source said.

The source declined to be identified and&nbsp;didn't&nbsp;reveal his nationality&nbsp;citing&nbsp;the sensitivity of the matter, the news agency reported.

<h2>International, domestic pressure piling on Netanyahu</h2>

This&nbsp;comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increased domestic and international pressure to halt the war in Gaza and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held in the besieged territory.

Earlier on Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt the war in Gaza&nbsp;citing&nbsp;humanitarian issues.

On the other hand, protesters&nbsp;are set&nbsp;to gather in Tel Aviv on Saturday (May 25) evening to press the government to bring back hostages alive.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiyuvvD_6iGAxUAzjgGHV8aBEYQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-unlikely-to-halt-rafah-invasion-after-icj-ruling-as-netanyahu-opts-to-remain-silent-725145" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-unlikely-to-halt-rafah-invasion-after-icj-ruling-as-netanyahu-opts-to-remain-silent-725145&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyuvvD_6iGAxUAzjgGHV8aBEYQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Israel unlikely to halt Rafah invasion after ICJ ruling as Netanyahu opts to remain silent</a>

The protests have been dubbed&nbsp;'Night of the Mothers'&nbsp;and&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;to be dominated by mothers of the hostages. The protest will include speeches from the mothers and is organised by the We Are All Hostages group.

Below are the&nbsp;names of the mothers&nbsp;who&nbsp;are expected&nbsp;at Tel&nbsp;Aviv’s&nbsp;Hostages Square at 8:30 pm local time.

Maayan Sherman, mother of soldier Ron Sherman who&nbsp;was taken hostage&nbsp;and killed in captivity; Einav Zengauker,&nbsp;Matan’s&nbsp;mother; Vicki Cohen, mother of soldier Nimrod Cohen; Yifat Calderon, cousin of Ofer Calderon; and Anat Agrest, mother of Matan Angrest.

Earlier on Saturday, the We Are All Hostages group said in a statement:&nbsp;"We are all mothers of hostages! We will all show up to demand: They were neglected alive —&nbsp;they’ll&nbsp;be returned alive!”

(With inputs from agencies)

Truce talks are all set to resume next week between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel, who have been fighting in Gaza since October 7 last year. If materialised, the deal would see Hamas release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Truce talks are all set to resume next week between Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel, who have been fighting in Gaza since October 7 last year. If materialised, the deal would see Hamas release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. News agency Reuters quoted a source as saying that the decision was taken after the chief of Israel spy agency Mossad met with the head of the US intelligence agency CIA and the prime minister of Qatar. Watch: Hezbollah barrages deal heavy damage in Northern Israel × "At the end of the meeting, it was decided that in the coming week negotiations will open based on new proposals led by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar and with active US involvement," the source said. The source declined to be identified and didn't reveal his nationality citing the sensitivity of the matter, the news agency reported. International, domestic pressure piling on Netanyahu This comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increased domestic and international pressure to halt the war in Gaza and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages held in the besieged territory. Earlier on Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt the war in Gaza citing humanitarian issues. On the other hand, protesters are set to gather in Tel Aviv on Saturday (May 25) evening to press the government to bring back hostages alive. Also read: Israel unlikely to halt Rafah invasion after ICJ ruling as Netanyahu opts to remain silent The protests have been dubbed 'Night of the Mothers' and are expected to be dominated by mothers of the hostages. The protest will include speeches from the mothers and is organised by the We Are All Hostages group. Below are the names of the mothers who are expected at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square at 8:30 pm local time. Maayan Sherman, mother of soldier Ron Sherman who was taken hostage and killed in captivity; Einav Zengauker, Matan’s mother; Vicki Cohen, mother of soldier Nimrod Cohen; Yifat Calderon, cousin of Ofer Calderon; and Anat Agrest, mother of Matan Angrest. Earlier on Saturday, the We Are All Hostages group said in a statement: "We are all mothers of hostages! We will all show up to demand: They were neglected alive — they’ll be returned alive!” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Truce talks likely to resume next week as pressure piles on PM Netanyahu 

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Sunday (May 12) that&nbsp;US President Biden's remarks that the truce in Gaza war is linked&nbsp;to the release of hostages was a "setback" to peace negotiations.&nbsp;

"We condemn this position by the US president, we consider it a setback from the outcomes of the latest round of negotiations, which led to the movement's agreement to the proposal put forward by mediators," Hamas said&nbsp;in a statement.

A day before, Biden suggested that a ceasefire in the besieged territory was possible 'tomorrow' if Hamas released all hostages it captured in the&nbsp;October 7&nbsp;attack.

<h2>Truce talks stalled</h2>

Hamas also said that Israel's decision to advance with the Rafah attack 'overturned' peace talks.

Negotiations, led by mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the United States, have&nbsp;largely stalled&nbsp;due to Israel's operation in Rafah.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-just-wrong-biden-issues-most-direct-warning-to-israel-against-rafah-invasion-719507" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/its-just-wrong-biden-issues-most-direct-warning-to-israel-against-rafah-invasion-719507&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Israel reacts to Biden`s most direct warning against full blown Rafah invasion</a>

The militant group accused the Israeli government of "escalating their brutal massacres in various areas of the Gaza Strip" and "reaffirming their pursuit of continuing the genocidal war in Gaza".

<h2>US says Israel lacks a credible plan for&nbsp;Rafah</h2>

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the Biden administration's decision to halt arms delivery to Israel by saying that the Jewish nation lacked credible plans to safeguard the civilian population.

Biden has made clear to Israel that if it “launches this major military operation to Rafah, then there are certain systems that we’re not going to be supporting and supplying for that operation,” Blinken said.

“We have real concerns about the way they’re used,” he continued. Israel needs to “have a clear, credible plan to protect civilians, which we haven’t seen.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-evacuation-orders-for-people-in-more-areas-of-gazas-rafah-720367" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-evacuation-orders-for-people-in-more-areas-of-gazas-rafah-720367&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjo4JTDvoiGAxWGS2wGHarAD6QQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive</a>

Experts are worried a full-throttle military offensive in Gaza would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the territory.

As per data released by the Gaza health ministry, more than 35,000 Palestinians have&nbsp;been killed&nbsp;in the war triggered after the&nbsp;Oct 7&nbsp;attacks.&nbsp;

More than 78,000 people have sustained injuries. Most of the casualties have been women and children, the health ministry has said.

<h2>IDF opens&nbsp;‘Western Erez’ Crossing&nbsp;</h2>

The IDF revealed that it has&nbsp;opened&nbsp;‘Western Erez’ Crossing in northern Gaza for transfer of humanitarian aid.&nbsp;This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the northern part in particular.

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Today (Sun), the ‘Western Erez’ Crossing was opened in the area of northern Gaza for the transfer of humanitarian aid. 
 
This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the… <a href="https://t.co/Tqosop32F5">pic.twitter.com/Tqosop32F5</a>
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&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Sunday (May 12) that US President Biden's remarks that the truce in Gaza war is linked to the release of hostages was a "setback" to peace negotiations.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Sunday (May 12) that US President Biden's remarks that the truce in Gaza war is linked to the release of hostages was a "setback" to peace negotiations. "We condemn this position by the US president, we consider it a setback from the outcomes of the latest round of negotiations, which led to the movement's agreement to the proposal put forward by mediators," Hamas said in a statement. A day before, Biden suggested that a ceasefire in the besieged territory was possible 'tomorrow' if Hamas released all hostages it captured in the October 7 attack. Truce talks stalled Hamas also said that Israel's decision to advance with the Rafah attack 'overturned' peace talks. Negotiations, led by mediators from Egypt, Qatar and the United States, have largely stalled due to Israel's operation in Rafah. Also read: Israel reacts to Biden`s most direct warning against full blown Rafah invasion The militant group accused the Israeli government of "escalating their brutal massacres in various areas of the Gaza Strip" and "reaffirming their pursuit of continuing the genocidal war in Gaza". US says Israel lacks a credible plan for Rafah Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the Biden administration's decision to halt arms delivery to Israel by saying that the Jewish nation lacked credible plans to safeguard the civilian population. Biden has made clear to Israel that if it “launches this major military operation to Rafah, then there are certain systems that we’re not going to be supporting and supplying for that operation,” Blinken said. “We have real concerns about the way they’re used,” he continued. Israel needs to “have a clear, credible plan to protect civilians, which we haven’t seen.” Also read: Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive Experts are worried a full-throttle military offensive in Gaza would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the territory. As per data released by the Gaza health ministry, more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war triggered after the Oct 7 attacks. More than 78,000 people have sustained injuries. Most of the casualties have been women and children, the health ministry has said. IDF opens ‘Western Erez’ Crossing The IDF revealed that it has opened ‘Western Erez’ Crossing in northern Gaza for transfer of humanitarian aid. This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the northern part in particular. Today (Sun), the ‘Western Erez’ Crossing was opened in the area of northern Gaza for the transfer of humanitarian aid. This was done in accordance with the government directive and in coordination with the US, as part of the effort to increase aid routes to Gaza and to the… pic.twitter.com/Tqosop32F5 — COGAT (@cogatonline) May 12, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

‘Setback for peace talks’: Hamas slams Biden’s call for releasing all hostages in Gaza

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US pauses bomb shipment to Israel - Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia - AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccines - Stormy Daniels testifies against Trump - Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo

Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo | Xi in Belgrade on a state visit to Serbia

A Hamas official on Sunday (May 5) said that the Palestinian Islamist Group's negotiators in Cairo left for Doha after the talks, aimed at brokering a truce deal in Gaza, ended in the Egyptian capital, as per news agency AFP reports.

"The meeting with the Egyptian intelligence minister has ended and the Hamas delegation is leaving for Doha for further consultations," said the official to the negotiations on the condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to publicly discuss the talks.

Hamas, in a separate statement, insisted that it maintained a "positive and responsible approach" towards the negotiations and said it was determined to reach an agreement.

The statement highlighted that the key demands of the group included "a complete end" to the ongoing war, withdrawal of Israeli troops "from the entire Gaza Strip, the facilitation of the return of displaced people, the intensification of relief efforts, the start of reconstruction and the conclusion of a prisoner exchange deal".

<h2>Hamas negotiators to return to Cairo on Tuesday</h2>

As per Egyptian state-linked media, the Hamas delegation will reportedly return to Cairo for more talks on the truce negotiation on Tuesday (May 5).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-not-accept-truce-deal-that-doesnt-completely-end-gaza-war-hamas-718078">Will not accept truce deal that doesn't completely end Gaza war: Hamas</a>

"The Hamas delegation has left Cairo this evening (Sunday) for Doha in order to conduct consultations, and will return Tuesday (May 7) to conclude the negotiations" towards a truce in the war with Israel, said Al-Qahera News, a site linked to Egyptian intelligence services, citing an unidentified "informed source".&nbsp;

<h2>'Ending Gaza war now would keep Hamas in power,' says Netanyahu&nbsp;</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 5) hardened his stance on the demands put forward by Hamas proposing an end to the war in Gaza in exchange for hostages, said that this would keep the Palestinian militant group in power.

However, he said that Israel was ready to halt the fighting in order to secure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas, which according to media reports are still numbered over 130.

"But while Israel has shown willingness, Hamas remains entrenched in its extreme positions, first among them the demand to remove all our forces from the Gaza Strip, end the war, and leave Hamas in power," Netanyahu said.

"Israel cannot accept that."

(With inputs from agencies)

A Hamas official on Sunday (May 5) said that the Palestinian Islamist Group's negotiators in Cairo left for Doha after the talks, aimed at brokering a truce deal in Gaza, ended in the Egyptian capital, as per news agency AFP reports.

A Hamas official on Sunday (May 5) said that the Palestinian Islamist Group's negotiators in Cairo left for Doha after the talks, aimed at brokering a truce deal in Gaza, ended in the Egyptian capital, as per news agency AFP reports. "The meeting with the Egyptian intelligence minister has ended and the Hamas delegation is leaving for Doha for further consultations," said the official to the negotiations on the condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to publicly discuss the talks. Hamas, in a separate statement, insisted that it maintained a "positive and responsible approach" towards the negotiations and said it was determined to reach an agreement. The statement highlighted that the key demands of the group included "a complete end" to the ongoing war, withdrawal of Israeli troops "from the entire Gaza Strip, the facilitation of the return of displaced people, the intensification of relief efforts, the start of reconstruction and the conclusion of a prisoner exchange deal". Hamas negotiators to return to Cairo on Tuesday As per Egyptian state-linked media, the Hamas delegation will reportedly return to Cairo for more talks on the truce negotiation on Tuesday (May 5). Also read: Will not accept truce deal that doesn't completely end Gaza war: Hamas "The Hamas delegation has left Cairo this evening (Sunday) for Doha in order to conduct consultations, and will return Tuesday (May 7) to conclude the negotiations" towards a truce in the war with Israel, said Al-Qahera News, a site linked to Egyptian intelligence services, citing an unidentified "informed source". 'Ending Gaza war now would keep Hamas in power,' says Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (May 5) hardened his stance on the demands put forward by Hamas proposing an end to the war in Gaza in exchange for hostages, said that this would keep the Palestinian militant group in power. However, he said that Israel was ready to halt the fighting in order to secure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas, which according to media reports are still numbered over 130. "But while Israel has shown willingness, Hamas remains entrenched in its extreme positions, first among them the demand to remove all our forces from the Gaza Strip, end the war, and leave Hamas in power," Netanyahu said. "Israel cannot accept that." (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas official says Cairo truce meeting ends, delegation to leave for Doha

Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack. He lamented that the pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University could be treated leniently than the rioters who stormed the Capitol in 2021.

Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack. He lamented that the pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University could be treated leniently than the rioters who stormed the Capitol in 2021. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, spoke in the hallway outside a Manhattan courtroom where his criminal trial in hush money case is taking place. The former president questioned whether student demonstrators would be treated the same way as his supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan 6. Also read: Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, talks about Gaza aid, ceasefire and more The Gaza war began with the Hamas attack on October 7 that led to the deaths of about 1,170 people in Israel, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. In retaliation, Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas and launched an offensive that has killed at least 34,356 people in Gaza so far, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Palestinian militants also took some 250 hostages on October 7. Israel estimates 129 remain in Gaza, including 34 believed to be dead. Now, a truce deal is hanging by a thread, with Israel demanding their release, and Hamas asking for a complete ceasefire. The six-month-old war has deteriorated humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. People struggling for food, clean water, medicines, and other basic amenities. Fears are also looming over a possible invasion of Rafah, where more than one million people have sought refuge from months of Israeli bombardment, which will be catastrophic. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested Now, global calls are being made, urging both sides to finalise a hostage deal and ceasefire, which appears to be unlikely as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said to invade Rafah "with or without a deal". People around the world are showing frustration over both situations - hostages and the humanitarian crisis in the Strip, with top US campuses becoming centre-stage of demonstrations. The war has sparked anger and division among people. In US universities, some Jewish students feel targeted and abused while others have taken leading roles in demonstrations. Israel-Hamas war has put West Asia on the brink of a broader conflict, even fears of a nuclear threat, with recent escalation involving Iran, but the student protests over the Gaza war have turned into a new US political battleground. President Joe Biden is pushing hard for a truce, which he hopes would be the extinguisher to douse the flames of war besides serving as a much-needed force for his presidency. Otherwise, the university protests would most likely become a burning issue in the presidential elections, scheduled for later this year. One of the reasons why Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing for truce, while reiterating US opposition to an Israeli assault on the crowded Gaza city of Rafah. Trump and other prominent Republicans are not shying away from seizing the political opportunity the ongoing campus protests have provided. Watch: Why has Netanyahu failed to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza War so far? × Clashes erupt at UCLA campus The protests have intensified with clashes breaking out at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles on Wednesday (May 1), forcing police to take action. At UCLA, a tent encampment was set up last week. Local media reported that the clashes erupted between rival pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. This comes as dozens of universities around the US, including Columbia University and New York City, struggle to contain similar protests. In a post on social platform X, LA police said, "At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety." Authorities have also made dozens of arrests on campuses across the nation after skirmishes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The initial days of protests were peaceful, but they turned violent with an expansion of the size of the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA in recent days. The counter-protesters have become increasingly vocal and visible on the campus. In a report by the news agency Reuters, Mary Osako, who is UCLA's vice chancellor for UCLA strategic communications, said that chaos erupted when some demonstrators broke through a barrier that the school had set up to separate the two factions. Images and videos shared on social media showed protesters and counter-protesters clashing with sticks and tearing down metal barricades. Some were seen launching fireworks or hurling objects at each other in the dark, which lit up with laser pointers and bright flashlights. UCLA Chancellor Gene D Block warned ahead of clashes that protesters including "both members of the UCLA community and others unaffiliated with our campus" had set up a camp last week. "Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism," Block wrote in a letter posted on the university website on Tuesday. "But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence. These incidents have put many on our campus, especially our Jewish students, in a state of anxiety and fear," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump compares campus protests to Jan 6 riots, as Biden pushes for Gaza truce to stave off political heat

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October.

An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-enter-columbia-building-barricaded-by-students-as-protests-716835">NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, arrests made</a>

The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible."

Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court.

"There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said.

But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over.

"I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent&nbsp;ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group.

Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EnvTW7xUlz5tSpCxBWH_L&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" target="_blank">Israeli&nbsp;forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal</a>

"The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various&nbsp; reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal."

"And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said.

Rafah differences

Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city.

"We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said.

Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3udA0Zf4d_kiTMQ-wGZD4D&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people</a>

In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags.&nbsp;

Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do".&nbsp;

As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead.

Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release.

More routes for aid

On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand.

A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman.

Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel.

"It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said.

UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach.

A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor".

Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access.

In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting.

"We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP.

'Unbearable escalation'

The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians.

Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term".

The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah. Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October. An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, arrests made The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible." Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court. "There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said. But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over. "I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group. Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal. Also read: Israeli forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal "The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal." "And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said. Rafah differences Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city. "We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said. Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv. Also read: Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags. Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do". As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead. Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release. More routes for aid On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand. A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman. Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel. "It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said. UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach. A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor". Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access. In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting. "We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP. 'Unbearable escalation' The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians. Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term". The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said. UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". (With inputs from agencies)

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