RAFAH (EGYPT), Aug 18: Hamas has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which still requires Israel’s approval.
The Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war has passed 62,000, and US President Donald Trump cast doubt on the negotiations.
Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavy-populated areas after the ceasefire talks appeared to have broken down last month, raising the possibility of worsening the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said mediators are “exerting extensive efforts” to revive a US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani had joined the talks, which include senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the Palestinian death toll from the war had climbed to 62,004, with another 156,230 people wounded. Women and children make up around half the dead.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals.
The UN and many independent experts consider its figures to be the most reliable estimate of wartime casualties.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, 1,965 people have been killed while seeking humanitarian aid since May, either in the chaos around UN convoys or while heading to sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American contractor. Israel disputes its toll but has not provided its own.
Experts have warned that Israel’s ongoing offensive is pushing Gaza toward famine, even after it eased a complete 2 1/2-month blockade on the territory in May.
The Gaza Health Ministry said five more people, including two children, died of malnutrition-related causes. (AP)
