Palestinian rescuers work to evacuate casualties from a residential building hit by Israeli strikes which destroyed shops at Gaza’s Old City market, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Gaza City July 4, 2024. Foto: Mahmoud Issa/ REUTERS
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that any Gaza ceasefire deal must allow Israel to resume fighting until its objectives are met, as negotiations on a U.S. plan to end the nine-month-old war are expected to restart, report Reuters.
After Hamas accepted a key part of the plan, two officials from the group said they are awaiting Israel’s response. Netanyahu was scheduled to hold consultations on the next steps in negotiating the three-phase plan proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden, with mediation by Qatar and Egypt. The plan aims to end the war and free around 120 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Hamas dropped its demand for a permanent ceasefire before signing the agreement, allowing negotiations during the six-week first phase instead. However, Netanyahu insists the deal must not prevent Israel from resuming fighting until its war objectives, including dismantling Hamas’ military capabilities and returning hostages, are met.
Netanyahu also stated the deal must prohibit weapon smuggling to Hamas through the Egypt-Gaza border and prevent the return of thousands of armed militants to northern Gaza.
Fighting continued in Gaza on Sunday. Israeli military ordered residents of several districts to leave their homes. Palestinian health officials reported at least 10 people killed by an Israeli air strike in Jabalia, with many wounded and missing.
In Israel, protesters demanded the government agree to the ceasefire deal to bring back hostages from Gaza. They blocked major intersections, picketed politicians’ houses, and set fires on main roads.
Palestinian health officials reported at least 15 people killed by Israeli strikes. Israeli military reported killing 30 Palestinian militants in Rafah over the past day, with one Israeli soldier killed in combat.
