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The mediators, at talks in Egypt and Qatar, are trying to forge a deal to pause the 14-month-old war in the Hamas-ruled enclave that would include a release of hostages seized from Israel on October 7, 2023, along with Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Mediators had managed to narrow some gaps on previous sticking points but differences remained, the sources said.
In Gaza, medics said at least 13 Palestinians were killed overnight in separate Israeli air strikes, including on two houses in Gaza City and a central camp.
Medics said an Israeli air strike killed nine people near Beach refugee camp in Gaza City, while another killed four others at a housing project near Beit Lahiya in the north. There was no Israeli comment.
Later yesterday, air strikes killed at least 15 Palestinians in two shelters housing displaced families in eastern Gaza City’s suburb of Tuffah, medics said, bringing yesterday’s death toll to 41.
Residents of Jabaliya in the northern Gaza Strip, where the army has operated since October, said forces blew up clusters of houses overnight.
“The longer those talks last, the more destruction and death takes place in Gaza. Jabaliya, Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya are being wiped out, Rafah too,” said Adel, 60, a resident of Jabaliya, who is now displaced in Gaza City.
A report published by Medecins San Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) yesterday said there were clear signs of ethnic cleansing in Israel’s offensive as Palestinians were forcibly displaced and bombed.
“The signs of ethnic cleansing and the ongoing devastation – including mass killings, severe physical and mental health injuries, forced displacement, and impossible conditions of life for Palestinians under siege and bombardment – are undeniable,” the aid group’s head Christopher Lockyear said in the report.
“Palestinians have been killed in their homes and in hospital beds...People cannot find even the most basic necessities like food, clean water, medicines, and soap amid a punishing siege and blockade,” MSF said.
Sources close to the mediation efforts said Hamas had pushed for a one-package deal but Israel wanted a phased one. Talks are focused on a first-phase release of hostages, dead or alive, as well as a number of Palestinians jailed by Israel.
On Tuesday, the sides discussed the numbers and categories of those to be released, but things have yet to be finalised, said a source.
The source said one issue was Israel’s demand to retain the right to act against any possible threat from Gaza and the stationing of Israeli forces during phases of the deal.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday Israel will have security control over Gaza with full freedom of action after defeating Hamas.
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