Fragile Truce: Hamas to Return Remains of Israeli Hostages Amidst Gaza Tensions
In a development underscoring the ongoing fragility of the situation in Gaza, Hamas announced on Sunday that it would hand over the remains of three Israeli hostages. This transfer, facilitated through the International Committee of the Red Cross, is scheduled for 6:00 PM GMT. The move is ostensibly part of the existing understandings related to the tenuous ceasefire agreement, which came into effect weeks ago, mediated by the United States.
Escalation and Accusations
Simultaneously, the Israeli military has expressed its cautious approach to the handover, citing persistent accusations from both sides regarding violations of the ceasefire. Adding to the volatility, the Ministry of Health in Gaza reported the death of a Palestinian individual on Sunday due to an Israeli airstrike. The strike targeted an area near a vegetable market in the al-Shujaiya neighborhood, located east of Gaza City. The Israeli military stated that the attack was aimed at a militant who posed a threat to Israeli forces within the sector.
Political and Military Responses
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed that Israel will continue to respond to any attempts to harm its forces in Gaza, highlighting the country’s commitment to systematically eliminate any remaining Hamas strongholds within the sector. He added that all actions taken by the Israeli army in Gaza are coordinated with Washington. In response, Hamas called upon the American administration to uphold its responsibilities in ensuring that Israel adheres to the ceasefire agreement.
Efforts to Stabilize the Ceasefire
Further complicating matters, the Israeli army reported a meeting between the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Keane, and his Israeli counterpart, Eyal Zamir. The discussion centered on the evolving field conditions in Gaza and strategies to stabilize the ceasefire. Despite these international efforts, the situation remains precarious, with continued limited airstrikes and mutual accusations, posing a threat to the ceasefire that ended a two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Source: Annahar
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