Talks begin in Cairo; relentless Israeli attacks pound Gaza

Jerusalem: As discussions begin in Cairo to end the two-year-long genocide in Gaza, Israeli airstrikes continue without pause. On Sunday alone, 19 Palestinians were killed, while another reportedly died of starvation, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The talks are part of a peace initiative originally proposed by US President Donald Trump. Under the plan, Hamas had agreed to release hostages and expressed readiness to negotiate further terms. However, Israel’s government spokesperson said no ceasefire had yet come into effect and that the military would maintain its presence in Gaza “for defence purposes.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that an announcement regarding the release of hostages held by Hamas could be expected soon, adding in a televised address that Hamas would be disarmed “either the easy way or the hard way.”

Meanwhile, Israel has approved the confiscation of nine acres of land from the village of Kafr Qaddum, east of Qalqilya, in the occupied West Bank, according to the Wafa news agency.

Global protests continue to intensify, demanding an end to Israel’s assault and the release of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza. Demonstrations took place in Rome, Istanbul, Athens, and Buenos Aires, following reports that Israeli forces had mistreated activists, including climate campaigner Greta Thunberg, triggering widespread outrage.

As Israel’s bombardment of Gaza enters its second year, the death toll has risen to 67,139, with 169,583 people injured.