Israel has reportedly withdrawn its agreement to allow unrestricted access for Palestinians in Gaza to go to the north of the enclave
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has abandoned one of the key concessions in ceasefire talks with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, refusing unrestricted access to the northern part of Gaza, CNN reported on Saturday, citing sources.
Netanyahu now wants armed individuals to be barred from returning to northern Gaza when a potential ceasefire takes effect. Previously, Israel agreed to allow unrestricted access to the northern part of the enclave, but now it seeks to reverse this provision for any ceasefire or hostage deal with the group.
This new demand could jeopardize the negotiations, which have been ongoing for months without a breakthrough.
This development comes as Israel carried out a major airstrike in southern Gaza, resulting in at least 70 deaths and nearly 300 injuries, according to local health authorities.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it had targeted the top leadership of Hamas, including the head of its military wing, Mohammed Deif. The militant group disputes the claims, insisting West Jerusalem was merely trying to “cover up” its latest “horrific massacre.”
The conflict in Gaza erupted after the October 7 attack on southern Israel, launched by Hamas, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis, while more than 200 were taken hostage.
West Jerusalem responded with ground operations and heavy bombardment of the enclave, with the hostility claiming the lives of over 38,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza Health Ministry estimates.