Biden Administration Steps Up Efforts for Gaza Ceasefire; Hamas Offers to Free 34 Prisoners
Jerusalem – Following Hamas’ announcement that it is prepared to release 34 prisoners in the first phase, the Biden administration is ramping up its efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has stated that an announcement could be made within the next two weeks. President-elect Donald Trump will be inaugurated on January 20.
The negotiations in Doha, where Israeli representatives are also participating, are set to continue. The Mossad chief, David Barnea, is expected to join them soon. In a recent development, Trump has issued an ultimatum demanding the release of 20 prisoners before his inauguration.
Hamas’ spokesman has confirmed that the list of 34 prisoners it has agreed to release includes women and elderly detainees. However, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not responded to this development.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue. In the latest round of attacks, 48 Palestinians have been killed in the past 24 hours, with 75 more injured. Thousands of Palestinians sheltering in uncovered homes are also grappling with harsh winter conditions. Since the start of the conflict, 8 Palestinians, including a toddler, have died due to the cold.
In the West Bank, an Israeli settler was killed in a shooting attack on a car. Several others were injured. Also, Israeli forces killed 2 Palestinians during an incursion into Jenin camp.
So far, over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, and over 100,000 have been injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza.
