Israel sent on Monday (30), a representative to Washington to discuss a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid growing international pressure and the advancement of the military offensive against Hamas. Diplomatic movement occurs after US President Donald Trump publicly request the end of the war. “Close the agreement in Gaza, rescue the hostages,” Trump wrote in a post on social networks.
The Israeli envoy is the Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, who meets with US authorities to discuss not only the conflict with Hamas, but also the Iran’s Nuclear Program and the possible expansion of Abraham-Peace Treaties and Cooperation between Israel and various Arab, mediated countries seeking to promote stability in the Middle East.
According to a diplomat heard by The Times of Israel, “there are advanced discussions” about a visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House. Another employee added that “the trip may occur next week”, with definition until Wednesday (3). “Let’s wait for the dermis to come back and see what he says,” added a representative of the primeic office. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s security office meets to discuss the next steps of the war.
The opposition leader in Israel, Yair Lapid, charged the end of the war. “There is no more benefit for Israel to continue,” he said.
The conflict, which began in October 2023, has already left 56,531 dead and 133,642 injured in Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health. In Israel, 1,139 people died in the attacks of October 7, and more than 200 are hostage.
Involvement of other Middle East countries
Qatar also tries to reactivate negotiations. At a press conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Al-Anari said that “there are no negotiations about a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,” but “communications are underway to reach a formula to return to negotiations.” He highlighted a more active US stance. “We see a positive language of Washington regarding an agreement in Gaza, and there is serious intentions on their part to press the resumption of negotiations, but there are complications.”
Ansari also criticized Israel’s stance on humanitarian aid. “Israel’s stubbornness prevents the entry of help in Gaza. It is unacceptable to continue to link the humanitarian and military sides in Gaza.”
On Sunday, Egyptian Chancellor Badr Ablatatty also confirmed that the country is working on a new proposal for Gaza, with a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages and the emergency entry of food and medicines. Egypt, Qatar, and the United States had already articulated a ceasefire agreement in three phases, but he failed after Israel resumed attacks on March 18.
New attacks in Gaza
While negotiations advance behind the scenes, violence in Palestinian territory intensifies. Since dawn on Monday (30), at least 80 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli bombing, local authorities. One of the attacks hit the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir El-Balah, and there are reports of dozens of injuries. The north of the city of Gaza was once again the target of air attacks after forced evacuation alerts by the Israeli army.
Local press also revealed that Israel plans to intensify its offensive by sending another military division acting within Gaza. “All air and land capabilities are now available after the operation of the operation in Iran,” Israeli military authorities told Yedioth Ahronoth.
Food Distribution Centers
Last week, local residents, doctors and journalists reported that the Israeli army killed 19 Palestinians in the area of humanitarian aid. Al-Awda Hospital received the bodies of the 19 victims and more than 140 injured, all hit by shots, according to the medical team.
The army of Israel admitted that people were injured in the food distribution centers. “The Palestinians were injured,” said a spokesman, adding that the shootings reported by the population are “under analysis by the competent authorities.”
Since late May, almost 600 Palestinians have died at these points. Haaretz report, Israeli newspaper, revealed that military personnel have received “orders to shoot unarmed crowds near Gaza food distribution stations, even when there was no threat.”
Processes in international cuts
In addition to diplomatic pressure, Israel also faces processes in international cuts. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The country is also a defendant in a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (TIJ).
