“Negotiations Halted as Airstrikes Escalate, US Urges Protection of Palestinian Civilians”
Israel has withdrawn its negotiating team from Qatar and launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, marking a new phase in its offensive against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The move comes after a week-long truce that now hangs in the balance.
Hamas has responded by stating its intention to continue negotiations for the release of more hostages only after the conclusion of the conflict in Gaza.
According to the Islamist group, the recent Israeli attacks have resulted in over 190 casualties.
Israel has announced that one of its airstrikes targeted and killed a Hamas commander directly involved in the October 7 attack, which triggered the initial Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.
In response, Hamas’ military wing launched a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, escalating the tit-for-tat violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the withdrawal of negotiators, citing Hamas’s failure to honour its commitment to release child and female hostages.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant noted that 15 women and two children are still among the hostages held by Hamas.
The ongoing violence has now further complicated the prospects of a renewed hostage exchange.
During the brief ceasefire last week, Hamas released 105 hostages, and Israel reciprocated by releasing 240 Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel contends that 137 hostages are still held in Gaza, deepening the deadlock in negotiations.
In the international arena, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the need for Israel to protect civilians in Gaza, stating that they are the “centre of gravity” in Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Austin underlined that safeguarding Palestinian civilians is both a moral responsibility and a strategic obligation.
US Vice President Kamala Harris outlined American goals for the conflict’s resolution, emphasizing that once the war concludes, reconstruction efforts must take place within the context of a clear political horizon for the Palestinian people.
This includes a push for a state of their own led by a renewed Palestinian Authority, supported significantly by the international community and regional countries.
As tensions escalate, the situation in the region remains highly volatile, with the resumption of hostilities underscoring the challenges in achieving a lasting and meaningful ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The impact on civilians caught in the crossfire adds urgency to calls for a swift and diplomatic resolution to the longstanding conflict.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members