In the latest development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly rejected two crucial demands made by the Palestinian group during indirect cease-fire talks. Netanyahu declared that Israel will not withdraw from the Gaza Strip and will not release thousands of jailed militants, signaling a potential deadlock in the negotiations.
Addressing the issue during an event in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to what he termed as Israel's "absolute victory" over Hamas. The Israeli Prime Minister's stance reflects a hardened position in the negotiations, raising concerns about the prospects of a swift resolution to the conflict.
Simultaneously, reports emerged of an undercover Israeli military operation in the West Bank that resulted in the killing of three Palestinian militants. The incident occurred during a raid on the Ibn Sina hospital in the northern city of Jenin. Israeli forces claimed that the militants were using the hospital as a hideout, and at least one of them was allegedly planning an attack. Hamas identified the slain individuals as its members.
The Palestinian Health Ministry condemned the Israeli operation, stating that Israeli forces had opened fire inside the hospital wards. The ministry called on the international community to intervene and halt Israeli military actions within healthcare facilities.
The broader context of the conflict reveals staggering casualties, with more than 26,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the outbreak of hostilities. The Health Ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory reported that the majority of the casualties were women and minors, without distinguishing between civilian and combatant deaths.
The war, triggered by the October 7 attack in southern Israel, claimed the lives of 1,200 people, primarily civilians, according to Israeli authorities. Additionally, around 250 people were reportedly taken hostage in the aftermath of the attack, further exacerbating the complexities of the situation.