Gaza

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. 

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"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

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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

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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.

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(With inputs from agencies)