Despite ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, Israel and Hamas continue to trade blame and accusations, with little sign of a breakthrough. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas' demands to end the war in Gaza, while Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has accused Israel of seeking to "sabotage" mediation efforts.
The latest round of talks in Cairo has ended without a deal, with a Hamas delegation leaving Egypt to consult with leaders in Doha. Egyptian officials had reported "significant progress" in negotiations, but Israeli and Hamas officials remain far apart on key issues.
Netanyahu has insisted that Israel will not accept Hamas' demand to withdraw from Gaza, while Haniyeh has reiterated that any agreement must guarantee an end to Israeli aggression and a permanent ceasefire.
As talks stall, the situation on the ground remains dire. A looming Israeli ground offensive in the southern city of Rafah has raised fears of further civilian casualties, with 1.5 million Palestinians estimated to be sheltering there. The US has sought to increase pressure on Hamas to accept a deal, while also trying to prevent an Israeli assault on Rafah.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has told troops to expect "intense action" in Rafah and other parts of Gaza, while Hamas has continued to fire rockets into Israel. Six Palestinians, including two women and three children, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Rafah on Sunday.
The closure of the Kerem Shalom border crossing, a key entry point for humanitarian aid, has also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has blamed Hamas for preventing aid from reaching the strip, while Hamas has accused Israel of seeking to "starve" Gaza's population.
As the conflict continues, international efforts to broker a ceasefire face significant challenges. The US, Egypt, and other mediators must navigate the complex and entrenched positions of both sides to find a way out of the crisis. With civilian casualties mounting and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, the need for a ceasefire and a lasting resolution to the conflict has never been more urgent.
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