Gaza: talks between mediators and Hamas begin in Cairo. Israel closes the border crossings

Talks on a ceasefire in Gaza between mediators and Palestinian factions have begun in Cairo, Egypt, according to Agence France-Presse, citing Palestinian sources. The talks are being attended by mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, alongside representatives of various Palestinian factions; the aim is to restart negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas based on the peace plan presented by the United States. According to sources, the mediators are expected to meet a Hamas delegation before midday; this will be followed by a broader meeting with all the Palestinian factions present.

“Following the missile attacks launched by Iran against Israel, a number of necessary security measures have been implemented across the country, including the temporary closure of the access crossings to the Gaza Strip. Operating the crossings whilst under fire puts lives at risk, both on the Israeli side and on the Gaza side; therefore, the crossings cannot be managed safely under such conditions”. This was announced by COGAT, the Israeli Ministry of Defence body responsible for civil administration in the Territories, clarifying that, “on the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, the contents of hundreds of lorries carrying humanitarian aid are still awaiting collection. Subject to security assessments, the collection of this aid will continue in coordination with the United Nations and international organisations”. “We emphasise that the crossings will be reopened gradually, based on ongoing operational assessments and in accordance with security restrictions aimed at ensuring the safety of all personnel present at the crossings on both sides.” “COGAT will continue to facilitate the entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, in accordance with its commitments and in compliance with the necessary security restrictions arising from the current security situation.”

Meanwhile, Iran has made its presence felt once again, with the firing of rockets that left one person injured and caused damage in the West Bank hills. Reut Ben Gigi, a resident of the Itamar settlement in the West Bank, whose home was hit by a rocket this morning, told Ynet: “It’s a miracle. A missile fell and the houses were destroyed. It’s a mistake that we only have one shelter for 40 families. It takes me a minute to get there because I live nearby, but the others have to travel. It’s crowded and stifling in there.”