Fighting and bombardment continue to rock Gaza City, even after Israel’s military declared an end to its operation in the eastern district of Shujaiya. The conflict intensified as talks for a truce and hostage release were underway in Qatar.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Israel retaining control of key Gaza territory, conflicting with Hamas’s demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal after a ceasefire. Hamas reported extensive destruction in Shujaiya, with over 300 residential units and 100 businesses destroyed.
Witnesses observed tanks and troops moving to other parts of Gaza City, with air strikes in the Sabra neighborhood and clashes in Tel al-Hawa. Hamas reported 45 air strikes in Gaza City and Rafah, as Netanyahu stated the war’s intense phase was nearing its conclusion.
Netanyahu’s negotiating team returned to Israel after talks in Doha, with plans for further discussions in Cairo. Both Israel and Hamas showed a willingness to accept an ‘interim governance’ plan proposed by the US.
The conflict has resulted in significant civilian casualties and destruction, with the United Nations warning of mass suffering among displaced Palestinian families. The situation remains volatile as both sides seek to achieve their objectives in the ongoing conflict.