The United States believes the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is in the “closing stages,” AFP reported on Wednesday citing a senior US official. The official added the Biden administration thinks a deal can be reached following months of hostilities and negotiations. The report comes amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the US. According to the official, the ceasefire proposal includes the gradual release of some of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas over 45 days. US President Joe Biden is expected to meet with Netanyahu on Thursday to work on resolving the remaining issues.
Israel hits 60 targets across Gaza in one day
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Thursday that its forces destroyed over 60 military objectives allegedly used by resistance groups across different areas of the Gaza Strip. The IDF claimed these targets were hit in just one day using fighter jets, attack helicopters, and drones, adding these strikes to 50 more reported on Tuesday. The army increased offensive operations in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Netzarim Corridor area after ordering evacuations in Khan Younis but still was not enough to avoid civilians casualties. Additionally, it stated that one soldier was “moderately injured” and two were “lightly injured” after gunmen shot from a vehicle close to the Nabi Ilyas area in the West Bank. The perpetrators of the shooting have not yet been found.
Hamas: Netanyahu showed he doesn’t want ceasefire
Member of Hamas Political Bureau Izzat al-Risheq said on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech before the United States Congress showed that he does not want a ceasefire deal to be reached. Al-Risheq underlined that Netanyahu’s address is “a party of lies and disdain for the world’s minds.” Addressing the Congress, the Israeli prime minister said that Hamas “wants Palestinian civilians to die,” claiming that there were “practically none” civilian casualties in Israel’s strikes on Rafah. He also stressed that the war in Gaza could end “tomorrow” if Hamas “surrenders,” but emphasized that Israel will fight until “total victory” if the militant organization declines to do so.