TEL AVIV: Israel’s military reported killing dozens of militants in the Gaza Strip on Monday, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to the region to push for a new pause in fighting.
The Israel Defense Forces said its operations during the past day included airstrikes and ground battles in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, as well as raids in northern and central Gaza.
The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry said at least 128 people, mostly women and children, were killed in Israeli strikes overnight into Monday.
The United Nations said intense fighting in the Khan Younis area is pushing civilians farther south toward Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population has already taken refuge, many in makeshift shelters.
The United Nations estimates 75% of Gaza’s people have fled their homes, and it says Palestinians are facing “acute shortages of food, water, shelter and medicine.”
Gaza pause, hostage release
A proposed temporary cease-fire could bring an increase in humanitarian aid for Gaza, along with the release of hostages held by Hamas militants.
Hamas leaders have been considering the proposal for a week after it emerged from talks among Egyptian, Qatari and U.S. mediators.
“The ball right now is in Hamas’ court,” a senior U.S. State Department official told reporters. The official said Egypt and Qatar have pushed Hamas to accept what the U.S. described as a “strong, compelling proposal,” but ultimately Hamas has to decide.
Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday. His trip includes stops this week in Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Blinken held talks with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Monday.
“The Secretary and Crown Prince continued discussions on regional coordination to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” according to a State Department statement.
“They discussed the importance of building a more integrated and prosperous region and reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia,” the State Department said.
(VOA)
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