Gaza Conflict: Hamas Opposes Israeli Troop Presence as Ceasefire Talks Continue
GAZA CITY — At least 52 people, including eight children, were killed in recent Israeli strikes in Gaza, according to the territory’s civil defence agency. The deadly attacks come amid ongoing indirect ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel.
Hamas, which governs Gaza, recently expressed willingness to release 10 prisoners as part of efforts to negotiate a truce. However, the group strongly opposes any ceasefire that involves a continued Israeli military presence in Gaza.
Mohammad al-Mughair, a civil defence official, reported that 17 people died in a strike near a medical point in central Gaza’s Deir el-Balah area. Witnesses described the explosion as sudden and devastating, striking while many, including women and children, waited for aid supplies.
Additional casualties were reported from multiple airstrikes and gunfire across Gaza, including fatalities near aid distribution points. The United Nations has noted that over 600 people have died around aid convoys since late May, when Israel allowed limited supplies into Gaza.
Indirect negotiations aiming for a ceasefire have been underway in Doha, Qatar, since Sunday. These talks seek to establish an initial 60-day truce based on a US-backed proposal. However, key disagreements remain, particularly over the flow of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim emphasized that the group rejects any arrangement that would allow Israeli troops to control areas like Rafah on the Egyptian border or the Morag Corridor near Khan Yunis.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire prospects during a press briefing in Malaysia. He noted that while terms appear close to agreement, challenges remain—especially Hamas’ reluctance to disarm, which Rubio says is essential to ending the conflict.
Rubio also acknowledged that Israel has shown some flexibility in the talks, though previous negotiations have stalled at similar points.
The situation remains tense as both sides work toward a resolution to the long-standing conflict.
