6 hours agoIsrael Attacks the outskirts of Gaza City
Periskopi(10 months ago)
(10 months ago)Israeli aircraft and tanks bombed the eastern and northern suburbs of Gaza City overnight from Saturday to Sunday, destroying buildings and houses, residents said, while Israeli leaders pledged to continue with a planned offensive in the city. Witnesses reported the noise of endless night explosions in the Zeito area [...]
The Witnesses reported the noise of endless night explosions in the areas of Zeito and Sheya, while tanks bombed homes and roads in nearby Sabra district and several buildings were blown up in the northern city of Jabalia.
The Israeli Army said on Sunday that its forces have returned to fighting in the Jabalia area in recent days, to “chronize” the militant tunnels and strengthen control of the area, write foreign media, submits Telegrafi.
The military added that the operation there “enables the expansion of fighting in other areas and prevents Hamas' terrorists from returning to operate in these” areas.
Israel adopted a plan this month to take control of Gaza City, describing it as Hamas' last raid.
It is not expected to begin in several weeks, leaving space for the Egyptian and Qatar mediators to try to resume ceasefire talks between the parties.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz pledged on Sunday to continue offensive to the city where extreme hunger has been declared, which has raised alarms abroad and domestic objections.
Katz has said that Gaza City will be levelled if Hamas refuses to end the war on Israel's terms and release all hostages.
Hamas said in a statement Sunday that Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City indicated it was not serious about a ceasefire.
The group said a ceasefire agreement was the only way to return hostages”, holding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responsible for their lives.
The proposal at the table requires a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living hostages held in Gaza and 18 troops. Israel, on the other hand, will release about 200 Palestinian prisoners with Israel held.
Once a temporary ceasefire begins, the proposal is for Hamas and Israel to begin negotiations on a permanent ceasefire that will include the return of remaining hostages.
On Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel would immediately resume negotiations on the release of 50 hostages from whom Israel believes around 20 are still alive and an end to the war of nearly two years, but under conditions acceptable to Israel. /Periscope/
