As deadly airstrikes claimed civilian and journalist lives in Gaza, hopes for a truce remain uncertain. Hamas accuses Israel of introducing new conditions in ceasefire talks, while mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. struggle to broker an agreement to end the ongoing violence.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza early Thursday claimed the lives of at least 10 people, including five journalists, and injured over a dozen others, according to medics from Gaza’s health authorities.
In Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood, an airstrike on a house killed five people and wounded 20 more, with medics warning that the death toll could rise as victims remain trapped beneath the rubble.
As deadly airstrikes claimed civilian and journalist lives in Gaza, hopes for a truce remain uncertain. Hamas accuses Israel of introducing new conditions in ceasefire talks, while mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. struggle to broker an agreement to end the ongoing violence.
JUST NOW
lSRAEL BOMBED THE JOURNALISTS KILLING 5 OF THEM! pic.twitter.com/888xkYxF61
— Muhammad Smiry 🇵🇸 (@MuhammadSmiry) December 26, 2024
In a separate incident, five journalists were killed when their marked media vehicle was struck near Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, central Gaza, health officials reported. The journalists, working for the Al-Quds Al-Youm television channel, were reportedly using the vehicle to cover events from within the hospital and Nuseirat camp.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel have yet to yield results, despite claims of progress in recent days. On Wednesday, both sides traded accusations over delays in reaching an agreement.
“Currently, where I’m working in Gaza, I’m seeing civilian casualties on a regular basis.”
American emergency physician Dr Mimi Syed reports on the dire situation in Gaza, detailing the horrific injuries and preventable deaths of children she’s witnessing in hospitals due to… pic.twitter.com/OsRge2PDor
— TRT World (@trtworld) December 25, 2024
Hamas alleged that Israel introduced “new conditions” regarding troop withdrawals, prisoner exchanges, and the return of displaced people, prolonging negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States in Doha. Israel has not publicly addressed these claims but acknowledged ongoing discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed parliament earlier this week of “some progress” in the talks, and his office later reported “significant negotiations” with representatives returning from Qatar.
Last week, Hamas, alongside Islamic Jihad and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, issued a joint statement suggesting that a ceasefire agreement was “closer than ever,” provided no new conditions were introduced.
