Newsletters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his government's determination to continue the war in Gaza, despite ongoing negotiations for a prisoner exchange and a cease-fire agreement.
Netanyahu announced on X social media platform that five Israeli soldiers were killed in clashes in the northern Gaza Strip, calling it "a difficult day for the Israeli people."
The prime minister reaffirmed Israel's commitment to achieving their "war objectives" in Gaza. He stated the goals include "the release of all our hostages—both the living and the fallen, the elimination of Hamas' military and governing capabilities, and thereby ensuring that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."
Hamas dismissed Netanyahu's statements about hostage release and Gaza's surrender as "defeat delusion," declaring that hostages would only be released through an agreement under resistance-imposed conditions.
Hamas Political Bureau Member Izzat al-Rishq said in a written statement on Telegram: "Netanyahu's statements about releasing all hostages and Hamas' surrender reflect psychological defeat delusion, not field realities."
Al-Rishq added that Israeli officials have acknowledged complete failure in rescuing their hostages through military operations, making it clear there is no way to free hostages without a serious agreement with the resistance.
"Gaza will not surrender. The resistance will impose conditions as it imposes equations," al-Rishq stated.
According to Israeli media outlet Haaretz, U.S. President Trump's Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff said there were previously four points of disagreement on cease-fire and prisoner exchange, with only one remaining.
Witkoff expressed hope for reaching an agreement that would lead to a 60-day cease-fire by the end of this week. As talks continue, the Israeli army continues to suffer casualties on the ground, with five recently announced Israeli soldiers from the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, affiliated with the Kfir Brigade, killed in Gaza.
The number of Israeli soldiers killed since Israel began its attacks on Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, has risen to 888.
U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) Deputy Executive Director Carl Skau warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza under Israeli attacks and blockade is at the worst level he has ever witnessed.
Skau, returning from his fourth visit to Gaza since the attacks began in October 2023, shared his assessment on the X platform: "I've returned from my fourth visit to Gaza since the conflict began. The situation is the worst I've ever seen. Needs are higher than ever but our ability to respond has never been so constrained. Hunger is spreading, people are dying just trying to find food."
Skau highlighted that WFP teams in Gaza are making every effort to deliver aid despite severe constraints.
"Our teams are often caught in crossfire, escorting food convoys through conflict zones. We're running out of fuel, spare parts, and basic communication equipment. Our national staff are living in the middle of this crisis, facing the same dangers and hunger as all Gazans," he said.
Skau lastly noted the organization's capability to deliver aid when conditions permit: "We have food, capacity and readiness to deliver. During the last cease-fire, we sent 8,000 trucks to Gaza in 42 days. We can do this again but it requires all routes and entry points to be opened and security to be ensured. And we need a ceasefire that should be a step toward lasting peace."
1 min read
1 min read
