The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip could soon come to a close. Ret alting efforts for a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel are intensifying. A truce might be established before U.S. President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dispatched special envoys to Qatar for this purpose, including the chief of the intelligence agency Mossad, David Barnea, and Shin Bet head, Ronen Bar, who have already arrived for negotiations on the terms of the agreement.
Newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump recently warned Hamas to release Israeli hostages. He stated that Hamas must free the hostages before his inauguration ceremony, or else face dire consequences. Following his warning, with Qatar's mediation, talks between the two sides began, reportedly progressing towards finalizing the agreement's terms. A ceasefire announcement in Gaza is expected shortly.
Meanwhile, large-scale protests continue for the release of Israeli citizens held by Hamas. Thousands took to the streets of Tel Aviv again on Saturday, demanding immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an agreement with Hamas for the hostages' release. This occurs as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized the Mossad director's trip to Qatar for ceasefire discussions.
A statement from the Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Israeli intelligence agency Mossad's Director, David Barnea, is in Doha to speak with Hamas representatives about a ceasefire. A protester remarked, 'This week alone, six soldiers have died in Gaza. Almost daily, more names are added to the list of casualties. How much more blood will be spilled for Netanyahu's personal interests? When will our hostages be released?'
Protesters in Tel Aviv called for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded general elections. They argue that PM Netanyahu has been unsuccessful in freeing the hostages, warranting his resignation. Last year, on October 7, Hamas attacked Israel and took more than 250 hostages. Though Hamas has since released around half of them, some have perished.
Meanwhile, the United Nations states that Israeli attacks have destroyed many hospitals and medical facilities, which could be classified as war crimes. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk informed the Security Council that a new report from his office documents the pattern of attacks on Gaza's hospitals, revealing these were deliberate.
Furthermore, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reported that at least 27 hospitals and 12 other medical facilities in Gaza have been hit 136 times. These attacks have resulted in the deaths of not only patients and people seeking refuge but also doctors and healthcare workers. Since last October, Israel has been conducting heavy bombings in Gaza, resulting in approximately 47,000 deaths.
