Israeli drone strikes in Rafah have killed three Palestinians as ceasefire talks occur in Cairo between Hamas and Egypt. Intense bombardments continue, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Calls for a full implementation of the ceasefire agreement have emerged from former Israeli captives, emphasizing the need for urgent humanitarian aid under dire conditions.
Recent Israeli drone strikes in Rafah have resulted in the deaths of three Palestinians and numerous injuries amid ongoing ceasefire discussions in Cairo. The attacks occurred in the southern governorate of Gaza as Hamas leaders and Egyptian officials convene to negotiate a fragile ceasefire. On Saturday morning, two individuals were killed in a targeted strike near Rafah city, and another fatality occurred in at-Tannour, east of Rafah.
Since Friday night, Rafah has seen a surge in Israeli attacks involving tanks and drones, with shelling affecting civilian areas such as al-Jnaina, ash-Shawka, and Tal as-Sultan. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that since October 7, 2023, Israeli operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 48,453 Palestinians and over 111,860 injuries. Notably, in a statement commemorating International Women’s Day, the head of the enclave’s Government Media Office indicated that 12,316 women have lost their lives throughout the conflict.
Salama Maarouf remarked, “Women’s Day coincides with the continuation of the Israeli siege and the prevention of aid as women live in catastrophic humanitarian conditions and suffer from starvation and thirst.” Reportedly, at least 2,000 women and girls have suffered permanent disabilities due to amputations amid the ongoing war.
As bombings continue, a Hamas delegation has reached Cairo to engage in talks regarding the Gaza ceasefire. This high-level delegation includes two senior Hamas members, expected to confer with Egyptian officials. Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary noted the heightened anxiety among Palestinians concerning the ceasefire, as the initial truce concluded on March 1, leading to fears of a resumption of hostilities.
Khouldary elaborated that, “This blockade is suffocating Palestinians. They never imagined that a ceasefire and Ramadan would come and that they would not be able to cook their favourite dishes.” Community kitchens are reportedly running low on supplies, exacerbated by the Israeli blockade on humanitarian aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously announced that humanitarian aid to Gaza would cease as retaliation for Hamas rejecting an extended ceasefire proposal.
Moreover, over 50 former Israeli captives have urged Netanyahu to fully honor the Gaza ceasefire agreement and facilitate the release of those still in captivity. In a letter shared on Instagram, the captives stated, “We who have experienced the inferno know that a return to war is life-threatening for those still left behind.” They emphasized the importance of fully implementing the ceasefire agreement promptly.
In summary, ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, including three recent deaths in Rafah amidst fragile ceasefire negotiations in Cairo. Humanitarian conditions remain dire for Palestinians, particularly women. As discussions progress, former captives have called for comprehensive implementation of the ceasefire agreement to avert further conflict. The situation highlights the pressing need for immediate humanitarian relief amid continued violence and instability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
