The Communist Party of India (Marxist), along with other left-wing organizations, has expressed strong condemnation against Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, calling it a ‘genocide’ and demanding an immediate ceasefire. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been accused of supporting Israel despite its apparent deviation from the nation’s previous stance on the Palestinian cause.
Egypt has threatened to withdraw as a mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations after CNN reported that Egyptian intelligence changed the terms of the recent truce proposal, scuttling a deal.
President Joe Biden addressed protests against the Gaza war at Morehouse College, a historically Black university, promising to hear the voices of students. While some students turned their backs during the ceremony, Biden expressed his support for non-violent protests and his efforts towards a ceasefire and lasting peace in Gaza. He also emphasized the humanitarian crisis in the region and the need for an independent Palestinian state. Alongside his outreach to Gaza protesters, Biden’s speech aimed to engage with Black voters amid declining support. The event was part of a series of efforts to address issues of democracy and racism, particularly relevant in light of former President Trump’s rhetoric and actions.
Israeli forces have intensified their offensive in the Gaza Strip, pushing into the heart of Jabalia in the north and pounding Rafah in the south. Hamas fighters have responded with anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs, while the United Nations has called for the opening of land crossings to allow aid deliveries. The death toll in Gaza has risen to 35,272, and malnutrition is widespread.
US President Joe Biden stated at a fundraiser on Saturday that a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict could be achieved as early as “tomorrow” if Hamas released its Israeli hostages. Biden remarked that Israel has indicated a willingness to end the conflict if Hamas complies with the demand.
Despite Hamas’ acceptance of a ceasefire proposed by Egypt and Qatar, the Israeli military has launched targeted strikes against the militant group in Rafah, southern Gaza. The strikes followed approval from Israel’s war cabinet. A Palestinian security official reported that Israeli tanks had entered Rafah, reaching close to the Egyptian border. Hamas’ Al-Aqsa TV stated that Israeli officials had informed Egypt of the planned withdrawal of troops after completing the operation. The Israeli military operation in Gaza has forced over a million people to flee to tents and apartments in Rafah. Israel views Rafah as Hamas’ last stronghold but the United States has expressed opposition to a full-scale invasion without a credible strategy for safeguarding civilians.
After seven months of conflict, Hamas has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal, while Israel has ordered the evacuation of 100,000 Palestinians from the city of Rafah, prompting international concern about the fate of civilian population and the need to seek a durable way out of the conflict.
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman strongly criticized ongoing anti-Israel protests on college campuses, arguing that they undermine efforts towards peace in the Middle East. Fetterman highlighted the plight of hostages taken by Hamas during the recent attack on Israel, emphasizing that they should be prioritized in discussions about the situation in Gaza. He condemned Hamas’s refusal of a ceasefire deal and urged protesters to focus their efforts on demanding its implementation.
Israel and Hamas continue to engage in negotiations aimed at reaching a truce amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. However, Hamas has yet to accept the most recent proposal put forward by US and Egyptian mediators. The proposal consists of three stages: an immediate six-week ceasefire, the release of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the delivery of essential supplies to Gaza. The proposal also includes the prospect of an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the return of civilians to the northern part of the territory. Hamas, on the other hand, seeks a complete end to the war and guarantees of an Israeli withdrawal. If an agreement is reached, it would mark the first ceasefire since late November and provide much-needed relief to the people of Gaza.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism that Hamas would embrace Israel’s ‘extraordinarily generous’ proposal to cease offensive operations in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. Blinken emphasized that Hamas holds the key to a ceasefire, urging them to make the right decision swiftly. He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and emphasized the need for a ceasefire and hostage release to create space for a more equitable and sustainable solution.
