Israeli forces continued their strikes near the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Monday, Aug. 12, amid international pressure for Israel and Hamas to reach a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and prevent a wider regional conflict with Iran and its proxies.
Palestinian medics reported that Israeli military raids on various areas of Khan Younis on Monday (12/8) killed at least 16 people, and several others were injured. Meanwhile, many families and refugees were forced to leave the area due to new evacuation orders requiring them to vacate threatened areas.
As fighting continues in parts of the Gaza Strip, Hamas said it is skeptical of the latest round of talks brokered by Egypt and Qatar due to be held on Thursday. The group said it has seen no sign of movement from Israel.
The group said Sunday that mediators should urge Israel to accept the ceasefire proposal put forward by US President Joe Biden, which Hamas has approved, stressing the importance of doing so over continuing negotiations or new proposals that could protect the occupation's acts of aggression.
Two sources linked to Hamas revealed to Reuters that the group believes the latest call for talks was agreed with Israel in advance, with the aim of avoiding retaliation from Iran and Hezbollah for the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and a senior Hezbollah leader in Lebanon.
“This is a fairly mild rejection. If Hamas accepts a feasible plan and Israel responds positively to the proposal, the situation could change. But as of now, Hamas believes that Netanyahu is not serious about reaching a deal,” said a Palestinian official involved in the mediation efforts.
Hamas’s reaction to the talks comes as preparations for a larger confrontation intensify. Washington has ordered guided-missile submarines to be sent to the Middle East, while a naval group led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is set to be deployed to the region soon.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that Iran is preparing a major military attack on Israel, according to a report by Barack Ravid, a reporter. Axios News who is known to have reliable sources of information, on Twitter.
Israel has been bracing for a major attack since last month, after a missile attack killed 12 young people in the occupied West Bank. Israel responded by killing a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
A day after the operation, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran, prompting threats of retaliation from Iran against Israel.
The potential for escalation highlights the depth of chaos in the Middle East caused by the war in Gaza, which has now lasted 11 months.. (ah/es)
