Israel’s close of the Al Jazeera news channel in Israel: Netanyahu’s warnings against a possible extension of the Hamas deal
Netanyahu, under pressure from his hard-liners in his government, continues to lower expectations for a cease-fire deal, calling the key Hamas demands “extreme.” He said it would equal surrender after the Hamas attack on October 7.
As a Hamas delegation in Egypt was trying to hammer out a deal with Israel, Israel closed the Al Jazeera news network in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that it was Hamas who blocked the deal to release hostages and that he gave Netanyahu’s negotiating team a very broad mandate.
Israel’s move came after the latest round of negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas appeared to remain stuck on key issues. CIA director, William Burns, reportedly took part in the Cairo talks over the weekend.
Another threat to talks came as Israel ordered the local offices of Qatar’s Al Jazeera satellite news network to close, accusing it of broadcasting anti-Israel incitement. The ban did not appear to affect the channel’s operations in Gaza or the West Bank.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said earlier in the day that stopping Israeli aggression in Gaza was the main priority, and that the group was positive about the negotiations.
Israel and Palestinians in the midst of famine: Israeli demands for a cease-fire and for the rescue of civilians, as requested by the United Nations
Philippe Lazzarini, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, wants an independent investigation and accountability for humanitarian workers. He also said Israel this week denied him entry to Gaza for a second time.
In expanded remarks as the full NBC interview was released, WFP chief Cindy McCain said famine was “moving its way south” in Gaza and that Israel’s efforts to allow in more aid were not enough. We have about one million trucks and over one million people for about three months on the outside border. She said we needed to get that in.
Gaza’s vast humanitarian needs put pressure on the pursuit of a cease-fire. The Egyptian plan would include an immediate cease-fire and partial release of Israeli hostages if Hamas agreed to it. 40 days is how long the initial stage will last. Hamas would start by releasing female civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Another Israeli strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed at least five people, according to Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies. Israel’s military said it struck a Hamas command center in central Gaza. It didn’t mention casualties.
Netanyahu said in his speech for the Holocaust memorial day there should be no international pressure or decision that will stop Israel from defending itself.
Israeli’s air and ground offensive has killed over 34,500 people, according to Palestinian health officials, who don’t differentiate between civilians and combatants but say women and children make up a majority of those killed.
Israel has carried out evacuations in the Gaza Strip by voice messages and leaflets throughout the war, but Palestinians say Israeli orders posted online or dropped in flyers are unclear, indicating numbered block zones with imprecise locations on a general map.
People in the city were told to leave for a humanitarian area north and northwest of the city. Israel’s military sent out text and voice messages, and posted maps on social media with arrows instructing people where to flee.
He said that Israel does not want a situation where the Hamas battalions take control of Gaza again, rebuild their military infrastructure and threaten the citizens of Israel.
“What is the meaning of the agreement if a ceasefire is not its first outcome,” he said, indicating the talks continued to be stuck on key points regarding Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza and whether a ceasefire and release of hostages would lead to a permanent ceasefire or a temporary truce.
The Rafah conflict in the Gaza Strip: Israel’s response to Prime Minister Netanyahu and the U.N. Secretary of Defense, Shoshani, and Gallant
Hamas battalions are operating in the area and Israel wants to dismantle them. Netanyahu last week vowed to enter the southern Gaza area “with or without a deal” with Hamas.
Egypt has always opposed an assault on the city, fearing that it would cause mass displacement of Palestinians.
According to the military spokespeople on Monday, Israel’s operation in Rafah would be limited. But Shoshani would not say whether this meant a broader incursion had begun or would continue at a later stage.
Israel’s assault and fighting with Hamas has destroyed Khan Younis. There are also unexploded munitions in the area. Basic humanitarian services, including access to health care, water and fuel for generators or power, are lacking in the region of al- Mawasi.
The U.S. and the U.N. have in the past weeks tried to discourage Israel from an incursion. Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, phoned the Secretary of Defense in the U.S., stating that there was no other option but to start the Israeli operation in Rafah.