Devastating airstrikes precede truce in Gaza as international community weighs in

Israel’s cabinet ratifies deal with Hamas, proposing the release of 50 women and children during the four-day ceasefire

Muslim Network TV Desk

GAZA, Palestine – In a heavy escalation ahead of a temporary truce, Israeli jets have launched a bombardment on Gaza, resulting in the loss of 100 lives in the past 24 hours.

The attacks have not spared hospitals and refugee camps, leading to a significant rise in casualties.

One of Gaza’s operational hospitals, overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, received over 60 deceased individuals amidst the continuous pounding of the neighborhood by Israeli airstrikes.

The Palestinian Health Ministry’s latest figures are grim, reporting 14,100 fatalities since October 7, including 5,600 children, with 6,800 people missing and 33,000 injured.

The World Health Organization mourns the death of its local staff member Dima Abdullatif Mohammed Alhaj, her husband, their infant son, and two brothers in a strike, highlighting the personal tragedies unfolding in the conflict.

Meanwhile, Israel’s cabinet has ratified a deal with Hamas, proposing the release of 50 women and children during the four-day ceasefire, marking a potential turn in the ongoing hostilities.

The agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, could see an extension with the release of additional hostages.

Under the deal, Israel will also release approximately 150 Palestinian women and minors held in its detention centers.

The ceasefire, set to commence at 10:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, could extend beyond the initial four days with the release of additional hostages.

A senior Biden administration official stated that the agreement entails a complete halt to military operations in Gaza, possibly extending to the Lebanese border, where Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in hostilities.

Hamas had initially taken around 240 hostages on October 7.

The Biden administration anticipates the release of three U.S. citizens, including a three-year-old girl, among the hostages.

Up to 10 Americans are believed to be held by the group.

A senior Biden administration official briefing reporters said the agreement calls for a “full pause in military operations throughout Gaza,” and could extend to the Lebanese border, where Israel and militant group Hezbollah have been trading fire.

Global reactions range from cautious optimism to outright relief, with leaders from China, the European Union, Egypt, and others expressing support for the ceasefire and the urgent need for a humanitarian surge to Gaza.

Notably, the Jordanian Foreign Minister highlighted the necessity for a broader plan for Gaza, amid concerns of ethnic cleansing and escalating violence.

As part of the ceasefire terms, Israel has indicated that the release of every 10 additional hostages will warrant a one-day extension of the truce.

The fate of the remaining captives remains a critical point, with Hamas believed to have dispersed them across Gaza.

The Biden administration holds its breath for the anticipated release of three American citizens, including a toddler, among the hostages.

The agreement calls for a “full pause in military operations,” potentially extending the ceasefire to the Lebanese border, where Israel has engaged with Hezbollah.

As the region inches toward a precarious ceasefire, the world watches, hoping for de-escalation and a move towards a lasting peace. The coming days will be critical as the international community seeks to bolster humanitarian efforts and address the root causes of the conflict.