Over 100 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza overnight, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, as international mediators launched a renewed effort to broker a ceasefire during one of the deadliest phases of the war. Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas began Saturday in Doha, Qatar, with senior Hamas official Taher Al-Nunu stating talks had started “without preconditions,” as reported by Hamas al-Aqsa TV channel. Despite cautious optimism, prospects for a deal remain uncertain. Today, Israel said it would consider ending the war if Hamas surrenders, a demand the terrorist group has repeatedly rejected. The discussions unfolded alongside a major escalation in violence. .Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced an “extensive” ground operation targeting northern and southern Gaza, aiming to dismantle Hamas and rescue hostages still held captive by the terrorist group. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted negotiations follow a US backed proposal calling for the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. The plan, being mediated by US envoy Steve Witkoff, does not ensure a permanent end to the war. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump visited Doha this week as part of a Middle East tour that excluded Israel. Trump, who recently called for an end to the “brutal war,” said he wanted the US to “take” Gaza and transform it into a “freedom zone.”.Trump’s trip included separate deals with regional factions, including a Hamas agreement to release an Israeli-American hostage and a Houthi deal to end attacks on US ships in the Red Sea. Hamas health officials reported more than 300 deaths and 1,000 injuries since Israel intensified strikes on May 15.On Sunday, the health ministry warned that all public hospitals in northern Gaza were “out of service.”The total death toll from Israel’s military campaign, launched after Hamas October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, now exceeds 53,000, according to Hamas..Over 1.9 million people have been displaced, which is nearly 85% of Gaza’s population.As both sides have competing demands, the prospect of a swift resolution is slim. Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until Hamas is “eliminated,” while the group insists that any ceasefire must guarantee Israel’s full withdrawal from Gaza. For now, civilians suffer the most during this deadlock in negotiations as the war continues.
