Israel-Hamas Conflict: Trump Chairs Meeting on Gaza Amid Rising Tensions and Stalled Peace Talks
In a significant development on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump presided over a critical meeting focusing on the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The meeting comes amidst a backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, with Israeli troops advancing towards Gaza City and the Israeli army declaring to have 'eliminated' a Hamas leader.
Context and Background
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached a critical point, with Israel pushing forward into new areas around Gaza City and destroying homes, causing residents to flee. This move comes as President Trump is expected to host a 'major meeting' at the White House on post-conflict matters. The US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, suggested the war would be settled before the end of the year, a claim that has been echoed by US officials for months.
Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu, has made bold claims about ensuring that Gaza is no longer a threat to Israel. However, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has communicated with “the highest-level mediators” involved in ceasefire talks, highlighting the puzzlement surrounding Netanyahu’s silence on the ceasefire proposal.
Key Developments
Among the significant events unfolding recently, the Israeli army declared that they had 'struck and eliminated the terrorist Mahmoud Al-Aswad', a commander of the General Security Apparatus of Hamas for the western region of Gaza. Furthermore, Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reportedly directed the military chief to besiege Gaza City, stating that anyone who doesn’t evacuate can die of hunger or surrender.
In a related development, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff has been pushing for all hostages still held in the Gaza Strip to be returned this week, though negotiations with Hamas still appear to be at an impasse. Reports suggest that 'at least one or two hostages held by Hamas are in critical conditions'.
Reactions and Implications
The current situation has brought about varied reactions and implications. While some hail Trump's diplomatic deal-making as a step towards ending several wars, others call it a false promise, highlighting that the US has provided Israel with billions of dollars in weapons and diplomatic support.
Meanwhile, mediators remain perplexed by Netanyahu’s silence on the ceasefire proposal, especially since Hamas has reportedly accepted the conditions he set. The Israeli cabinet's decision to ignore the Hamas deal as Trump plans for post-war Gaza has also raised eyebrows.
Conclusion
As the situation unfolds, it's clear that the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be a primary concern for the international community. With the US pushing for a resolution before the year-end, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Gaza and its residents. As we await further developments, the hope for peace in the region remains.
Reported by multiple sources, including Corriere della Sera, The Guardian, Al-Quds News, Le Monde, Middle East Eye, Folha de S.Paulo, The Times of Israel, New York Times, Fox News, Al Jazeera English, ANSA, and others.