Qatar Suspends Mediation in Israel-Hamas Conflict
Qatar has paused its mediation efforts in the Israel-Hamas conflict, citing a lack of progress and political willingness from both sides. An Egyptian official confirmed the decision, adding that Qatar might resume its role if conditions improve. The suspension leaves Hamas’s political office in Qatar without a clear purpose, according to a diplomatic source.
A senior Hamas representative acknowledged the halt but noted, “No instructions have been given for us to leave.” The move reflects Qatar’s frustration over stalled negotiations, particularly around hostages held by Hamas.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza and Lebanon
Violence continues unabated across Gaza and Lebanon. In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 16 people on Saturday, including women and children, according to Palestinian medical officials. Strikes targeted a former school turned shelter, killing six people, including journalists and a pregnant woman. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad but offered no additional evidence.
In Khan Younis, seven people were killed when a tent shelter was struck. Another strike at a hospital compound in central Gaza killed three people, including a journalist. Palestinian officials report that civilian infrastructure remains a primary target of Israeli operations, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
On the northern front, Israeli forces targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and Tyre reportedly killed at least seven. The Israeli military framed the operations as defensive, citing Hezbollah’s involvement in attacks on Israel.
Limited Aid Reaches Northern Gaza
The Israeli military’s humanitarian branch, COGAT, confirmed the delivery of 11 aid trucks to northern Gaza on Thursday. This marks the first aid allowed in weeks. However, the World Food Programme reported that Israeli troops redirected some supplies from designated drop-off points.
The United States has called for improved humanitarian access, demanding 350 daily aid trucks to meet Gaza’s needs. A recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns of potential famine in northern Gaza. COGAT dismissed the report, accusing it of relying on biased data.
Humanitarian Toll of the Conflict
The U.N. reports that an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population is displaced. Schools and camps used as civilian shelters have been repeatedly struck, with Israeli forces accusing Hamas of embedding operations within these locations.
Over a year of fighting has resulted in more than 43,000 deaths in Gaza, with women and children comprising a significant portion. The violence escalated following a large-scale attack by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead and saw 250 individuals abducted. The conflict continues to exact a devastating toll on both sides.