Gaza, talks between mediators and Hamas start in Cairo. Israel closes crossings

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

"Following the missile attacks launched by Iran against Israel, several necessary security measures have been taken throughout the country, including the temporary closure of the crossings into the Gaza Strip. Operating the crossings under fire from attacks puts lives at risk, both on the Israeli and Gaza sides, therefore, the crossings cannot be operated safely under such conditions'. This was announced by Cogat, the Israeli Defence Ministry body in charge of civilian administration in the Territories, clarifying that, "on the Gazawi side of the Kerem Shalom crossing, the contents of hundreds of trucks of humanitarian aid are still waiting to be withdrawn. Subject to security assessments, the withdrawal 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 an ongoing operational assessment and in compliance with security restrictions designed to ensure 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 resulting from the current security situation."

Meanwhile, Iran is again making its presence felt, with missiles launching, resulting in one injured and damage in the hills of the West Bank. Reut Ben Gigi, a resident of the West Bank settlement of Itamar, whose house was hit by a missile this morning told Ynet: 'It's a miracle. A missile fell and the houses were destroyed. It is a mistake that we only have one shelter for 40 families. It takes me a minute because I live nearby, the others have to move. It's crowded and stuffy in there.