Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas accuse each other of derailing ceasefire talks

According to the Palestinian Islamic Movement’s health ministry, the war between Israel and Hamas has killed more than 40,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians. On the Israeli side, 1,198 people died — most of them civilians — during the attack on October 7, 2023, according to an Agence France-Presse tally based on official Israeli sources. According to the Israeli militarySo far 692 soldiers have been killed.

Anthony Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday; Negotiations on a ceasefire are stalled

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken arrived in Israel on Sunday, August 18, on a new diplomatic mission aimed at promoting a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. In this case, he will go to Egypt on Tuesday and before meeting the Egyptian authorities, he is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday morning. In the eleventh month of a devastating war, international diplomacy is scrambling to avoid a prolongation of the conflict after threats of attack against the Jewish state by Iran and its allies.

The United States on Friday submitted a new proposal for a cease-fire deal, approving $20 billion (18 billion euros) worth of arms sales to its Israeli ally. Israeli negotiators expressed their opinion “Cautious Hope” Negotiations are due to resume next week in Cairo. But Hamas condemned it on Saturday “The Imposition of American Mandates” He also accused Israel of annexation “New Terms”including maintaining its forces on the border between Gaza and Egypt“Right of Veto” Regarding the release of certain Palestinian prisoners.

The Palestinian Islamic Movement wants to use the plan announced by US President Joe Biden on May 31. The plan initially calls for an Israeli withdrawal from populated areas of Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages, along with a six-week ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the lack of progress in discussions on Hamas in a statement from his office on Sunday: “Hamas, so far, has maintained its denial and has not sent a single representative to the Doha talks. Therefore, pressure must be directed towards Hamas. [son chef Yahya] Sinwar, not the Israeli government”Mr. Netanyahu writes.

“There are things we can be flexible about and others we can’t”He added: “This is why, in addition to making substantial efforts to bring back our hostages, we remain committed to principles (…) Essential to Israel’s security. »

In response, Hamas on Sunday accused the Israeli prime minister of derailing negotiations for a deal. “We place full responsibility on Benjamin Netanyahu for the lives of the hostages who are at risk, as are our people, for the failed efforts of the mediators, and for blocking the deal.” With a series of bombings in the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian Islamic Movement said in a statement.

Despite the allegations, US President Joe Biden on Sunday declared a ceasefire in Gaza “Always Possible” And America promised “don’t let go” their efforts.

Incessant bombing of Gaza

The Israeli army continues its offensive in the Gaza Strip following military pressure on Hamas. Civil Defense announced on Sunday that four bodies had been removed from the ruins of Jabaliya (North) following a strike on three houses. Deir al-Bala (center), seven Palestinians killed in apartment bombing. For its part, the Israeli army said its troops were continuing their operations in Khan Yunis, Rafah (south) and Deir al-Balah.

Israel announced the killing on Saturday in Jenin, a Palestinian enclave occupied by Israel for 57 years. “Two Senior Hamas Officials”. Hamas’ military wing confirmed their deaths.

10 people were killed in an Israeli attack in southern Lebanon

The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced on Saturday that ten people were killed and five wounded in an Israeli strike in the Nabatiyé sector in the south of the country. The Israeli army said it had struck “A Hezbollah Weapons Depot” And “Military Structures” of the Lebanese Islamic Movement. According to the Lebanese National Information Agency, those killed were Syrian refugees “Concrete Factory”.

The pro-Iranian Hezbollah opened a front against Israel on October 8. He says he supports Hamas. Almost daily since then, firefights between Hezbollah and the Israeli military have escalated, with the July 31 assassination of Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh and military chief in Tehran, a massacre attributed to Israel. The Lebanese Islamic Movement, Fuad Chokr, in an Israeli strike the previous day near Beirut.

Israeli killed in West Bank settlement attack

A resident of the Jewish settlement of Kedumim in the West Bank died on Sunday, the hospital announced after he was admitted after being the victim of an attack. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the settlement is located near the Palestinian village of Zid, where settlers killed a young Palestinian on Thursday evening.

“After much effort (…) Physicians must declare the person injured during the attack dead.Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva (center) announced. Israel’s military said earlier“A Terrorist” was “Attacked a civilian, stole his weapon and fled.” In a settlement located in the north of the occupied West Bank.

The raid, which was carried out by about a hundred settlers armed with knives and guns according to witnesses, sparked a wave of condemnation not only abroad but also among the Israeli political class.