Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the militant group’s latest demands as “absurd,” but indicated that he would be sending a negotiating team to Qatar to continue discussions on a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
Reports suggest that the talks may resume on Sunday afternoon or Monday.
Despite the decision to resume negotiations, Netanyahu has proceeded with a planned offensive on the city of Rafah, located on the border with Egypt, where over 1.3 million Palestinians have sought shelter from Israeli airstrikes.
Israel’s allies and critics have cautioned against an invasion of the city, expressing concerns about potential civilian casualties. Israeli officials have asserted that southern Gaza is a key stronghold for the Hamas group, which they are determined to eliminate.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 31,645 Palestinians have lost their lives and 73,676 have been wounded in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7.
The United Nations has issued a warning that one in three children under the age of two in northern Gaza is currently suffering from acute malnutrition, with famine looming on the horizon.
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