Negotiators from the United States and Israel are convening in Cairo over the weekend, intensifying efforts to broker a ceasefire-hostage deal as the Israel-Hamas conflict nears the six-month mark. CIA Director Bill Burns and Israeli spy chief David Barnea are among the high-level officials expected to participate, along with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel.
The recent killing of seven aid workers by the Israeli military in Gaza has sparked unprecedented condemnation from European leaders. Amid mounting casualties, European leaders are increasing pressure for a ceasefire, with some countries even halting arms sales to Israel.
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Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed dissatisfaction on Saturday with the information provided by Israel regarding the death of an Australian aid worker in a Gaza airstrike, deeming it insufficient.
US Representative Nancy Pelosi, a prominent ally of President Joe Biden, joined dozens of congressional Democrats in signing a letter addressed to the president and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging a halt to weapons transfers to Israel.
In Morocco, thousands took to the streets of Casablanca in protest against what they termed as “massacres” in Gaza and the country’s normalization of relations with Israel. Organized by the Islamist group Al Adl Wal Ihssane, the protests coincide with the last Friday of Ramadan and Quds (Jerusalem) Day, a time when rallies in support of Palestinians are held across the region.
Regarding casualty figures from Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry compiles data from hospitals and other sources, reporting casualties as victims of “Israeli aggression” without distinguishing between civilians and combatants. Despite discrepancies, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations rely on these figures for reporting purposes.
