Discussions between Israel and Hamas over a potential truce appear to be picking back up, with an Israeli delegation reportedly heading to Qatar as early as this weekend.
This comes despite Israel rejecting the most recent proposal set forth by Hamas, which included a prisoner swap and a weeklong ceasefire.
However, Israel also approved a plan to invade Rafah, the southernmost city of Gaza, where more than half the enclave’s population is seeking refuge in.
Many of Israel’s allies in the international community have warned Israel against going through with the attack, while the US has said that it wants Israel to come up with a plan to protest the area’s civilian population before doing so.
Read more: Israel ‘weaponized’ humanitarian measures in Gaza as tool of mass
Israel and Hezbollah also exchanged fire over the Lebanese border. Hezbollah warned that it was ready to increase its war effort, saying to Israel, “if you expand, we expand”.
Outside of the region, the International Court of Justice has said it will hold hearings for the case Nicaragua has brought against Germany, accusing Berlin of having “contributed to the commission of genocide” by Israel in Gaza. Those hearings will take place on 8 and 9 April.
What you need to know about Israel – Hamas discussion
Here’s what else you need to know about today’s developments:
- Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, said it intercepted and killed a group of four Israeli soldiers transporting explosives in al-Zahra in central Gaza.
- US Central Command (Centcom) said it conducted another air drop of humanitarian aid to Gaza. It said it dropped 35,700 meals and 31,800 bottles of water into northern Gaza.
- Multiple Palestinian news outlets reported that Israeli forces bombed a family residence in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City, killing five people and wounding dozens of others.
- White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said a ceasefire proposal from Hamas is within the bounds of what is possible and expressed cautious optimism.
- The UK security firm Ambrey and the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported incidents in which a vessel was targeted near Yemen’s port city of Hodeidah.
source: Middle East Eye
