RAFA, Egypt (AP) – Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries were in consultation with Hamas in the latest efforts to mediate a ceasefire with Israel. In the Gaza Striphealth officials said Monday that the Palestine death toll from the 22-month war has exceeded 62,000.
US President Donald Trump appeared to be suspicious of such talks. “When Hamas is faced and destroyed, we will see the resurrection of the remaining hostages!!! The more this happens, the better the chances of success.”
Israel announced Plans to steal Gaza City again Other heavy populated areas after ceasefire talks It looked like it was broken Last month, it increased the possibility of worsening Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe, experts say I’m slipping into starvation.
These plans, which may be aimed at putting pressure on Hamas, sparked international rage and infuriated many Israelis fearing the remaining hostages in the October 7 attack that launched the war. Hundreds of thousands participated A massive protest on Sunday I ask for their return.
“Broad-scale efforts” to revive consultations
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatti said the mediators are “making extensive efforts” to revive the US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire.
He visits Rafa in Egypt and intersects Gaza, which has not functioned since Israel seized the Palestinian side in May 2024.
Abdelatti repeated Egypt’s strong opposition Plans for a massive relocation of Palestinians from Gaza; As sought by Israeli leaders Who portrays it as a voluntary immigrant. Many Palestinians and the international community say such a plan would amount to forced expulsion as Israeli aviation and ground wars have neutralised much of Gaza.
Abdelatty said Egypt called for such a plan by saying “don’t take part, don’t allow it.” Other countries discussing with Israel Regarding the resettlement of Palestinians, “Please refrain from being involved in this heinous crime.” Egypt and others fear that a massive relocation of Palestinians could spell the end of a decades-long quest for an independent state.
Abdelathti said Hamas leader Khalil al-Heiyah joined the meeting in Cairo along with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani. He said they were open to other ideas. Comprehensive deals It will release all hostages at once.
Discussed on condition of anonymity, officials said Israel does not currently have plans to send representatives to Cairo negotiations to discuss the closed door talks, but they are waiting to see how they will develop.
Hamas-led militants have lured 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians in the attacks that sparked the war. Fifty hostages were still in Gaza, and about 20 of them believed Israel was alive.
The death toll in Palestine exceeds 62,000
Gaza Ministry of Health The war’s death toll in Palestine rose to 62,004, with another 156,230 people injured. I wouldn’t say how many civilians and combatants were, but women and children account for half of the deaths.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and is staffed by medical professionals. The United Nations and many independent experts consider the figure to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties. Israel challenges its sacrifice, but does not offer its own.
The department said 1,965 people have been killed since May during the upheavals surrounding the UN convoy or while seeking humanitarian assistance while heading to a site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor.
Witnesses, health authorities and the United Nations Human Rights Office say Israeli forces have repeatedly fired fire at crowds of people seeking assistance. Israel says it simply fired warning shots at those approaching the force. GHF says its armed contractors were only occasionally fired into the air or in rare cases to prevent fatal crowds.
More deaths related to malnutrition
Experts warn Israel is continuing to be aggressive I’m pushing Gaza into starvationEven after relaxing the full 2-1/2 month lockdown on the territory in May. The Gaza Health Ministry said Monday that five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition-related causes.
At least 112 children have died of malnutrition-related causes since the start of the war, and 151 adults have been killed since they began tracking malnutrition deaths in June.
Amnesty International on Monday accused Israel of “running a deliberate campaign of starvation.”
Israel has rejected such allegations, saying it accused the United Nations of allowing enough food and not delivering it promptly. The United Nations agency says it is being hampered by Israeli restrictions and breakdowns of territorial law and order.
Israeli lawmakers have refused visas to Australia
In another development, far-right Israeli MP Simcha Rothman denies Australia for anti-Semitism after denying a speaking tour visa. Rothman is a member of the Religious Zionist Party, supporting the continued war and the massive relocation of the Palestinians.
“The Australian government’s decision to deny the opportunity to talk to my people in order to express a simple and clear position is a clear and blatant anti-Semitism that will boost terrorism,” the Australian Broadcasting Company said Monday.
Australia’s Home Minister Tony Burke defended the move by saying, “If you come to Australia to spread the message of hatred and division, we don’t want you here.”
In response, Israel cancelled the visas of Australia’s representatives and told the Palestinian authorities to “carefully consider” the official visa application from Australia to Israel, Foreign Minister Gideon Saa wrote to X.
Australia participated 27 other Western countries In a joint statement last month, they joined a smaller circle of nations in sought to end the war. Two far-right Israeli government ministers are approved He was accused of inciting violence against Palestinians The West Bank of the Jordan River under Israeli occupation. ___
Magdy reported from Cairo and Ridman, reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writer Rod McGurk was a contribution from Canberra, Australia.
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