The United States and the families of the captives are urging for mediation efforts to result in an agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Cairo to continue negotiations for the release of hostages, with talks having been positive and successful so far. However, there is pressure on both parties to reach a truce before an invasion of Rafah, which could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe.
Israel has made a generous proposal for a six-week truce that includes the release of around thirty hostages from Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed his hope that Hamas will make the right decision quickly. International organizations have also warned that an offensive in Rafah could constitute war crimes, adding further pressure on both sides.
The relatives of the hostages held by Hamas are mobilizing to secure their release, fearing potential danger they may face if an invasion of Rafah occurs. Israeli authorities are also concerned about potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court while talks are ongoing. OCHA has described the situation in Rafah as terrible, with challenges in accessing basic services and heightened anxiety over a potential Israeli ground operation.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with significant casualties reported in recent attacks despite ongoing talks between Egypt and Israel being positive and successful so far.
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