Israel (Washington Insider Magazine)—Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement, brokered by Qatar and France, to facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. This arrangement includes the delivery of medicines to hostages held by Hamas, while Israel will allow more basic supplies into Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated after over three months of bombardment.
The US, through its Middle East envoy, is engaged in ongoing talks aimed at securing the release of more hostages, with discussions described as serious and intensive. More than 132 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with over 24,000 people killed, most of them women and children, according to Palestinian officials. An estimated 85% of the population has been displaced, and the UN has called the situation “intolerable” due to severe food and medical shortages. The US has urged Israel to increase the flow of essential aid into the territory.
