- Israel Tightens Checkpoint Restrictions Amid Gaza Violence
- US Advisor Reports Progress in Israel-Palestine Talks
Death Toll Rises in Gaza
The Gaza Civil Defence reported that 70 children were killed within five days during Israeli attacks across the region, according to Al Jazeera. Palestinian children in Gaza remain among the worst affected by ongoing hostilities, now in their 16th month.
A medical source informed Al Jazeera that the Israeli military’s 100-day offensive in northern Gaza resulted in 5,000 Palestinians killed or missing, with an additional 9,500 injured.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported at least 46,565 Palestinians killed and 109,660 injured since the military campaign began on October 7, 2023, with 28 casualties in the last 24 hours.
Checkpoints in the Jordan Valley
Israeli forces increased restrictions at the Tayasir and Hamra checkpoints in the northern Jordan Valley on Sunday. The tightened security caused severe traffic congestion, hampering the movement of local Palestinians, Wafa reported. Residents noted that while closures have been frequent for over a year, measures escalated significantly in the past week.
Casualties from Recent Attacks
Local sources confirmed the deaths of three Palestinians, including a paramedic, from Israeli artillery strikes in Gaza. The attacks targeted residential areas in the Bureij and Nuseirat refugee camps. Meanwhile, paramedic Hasan Al-Kahlout succumbed to injuries sustained in earlier airstrikes.
Diplomatic Efforts and Negotiations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu updated US President Joe Biden on ongoing negotiations for the release of Israeli prisoners. Netanyahu’s office stated that talks have been progressing in Doha. However, reports suggest a significant obstacle is Israel’s reluctance to end military operations after the deal’s second phase, Haaretz reported.
Unnamed sources indicated a potential US commitment to pressure Israel to cease hostilities, even if Israel does not explicitly agree.
International Mediation and US Engagement
Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor, stated in a CNN interview that negotiators were “very, very close” to reaching an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of 98 prisoners. Sullivan assured that the Biden administration is committed to resolving the conflict before the president’s term ends.
He emphasized ongoing US efforts in the indirect Doha talks between Israeli and Palestinian officials, noting some progress since Thursday. “We are fully determined to use every remaining day to achieve peace,” he added.
The developments underline a critical juncture in diplomatic attempts to address the escalating violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
