Ceasefire Talks Begin as Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s military has begun a new ground operation in Gaza on Sunday, coinciding with significant ceasefire talks with Hamas in Qatar. These discussions mark the first serious negotiations in months, coming amid intensified Israeli airstrikes that have reportedly killed over 500 Palestinians in just five days.

Raoutha Naser mourned her sister and her children, killed during an Israeli strike in Gaza City. ‘They’re gone,’ she cried. The airstrike on Sunday morning killed 20 people, including five women and five children, according to Gaza health officials.

Israel stated that the military operation targets numerous Hamas sites, claiming the death of dozens of militants. The government plans to gradually increase military pressure on Hamas during the ceasefire negotiations. Concurrently, Israel is preparing to renew food aid to Gaza, with a plan set to begin on May 24. Sources indicate that civilians in Gaza have only seven to ten days’ worth of food left.

Israel’s ceasefire discussions began on Saturday and are being supported by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He confirmed U.S. involvement in the negotiations, which aim to secure the release of more Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Israeli officials argue that any comprehensive ceasefire would require the disarmament of Hamas.

The tense situation has prompted an unprecedented wave of Palestinian evacuations. Families in Jabalia report heavy bombardment, prompting them to flee south. Majdi Abu Nassar recounted deteriorating conditions, saying, ‘We have no food.’ Thousands of residents faced the same grim reality as they left their homes.

Israeli forces extended their blockade on Gaza, limiting the entry of food and medical supplies for over 11 weeks. This blockade has raised concerns regarding a potential famine, prompting a humanitarian initiative led by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to distribute limited food aid through U.N.-backed channels.

Despite international pressure, Israel has maintained its military operations, targeting what it claims are Hamas-affiliated sites. Recent airstrikes have resulted in further civilian casualties, with health officials reporting that over 53,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023.

On a diplomatic front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized his team in Qatar to negotiate terms for a potential larger agreement to end the ongoing conflict, signaling a possible shift in approach. However, it remains uncertain if these talks will yield any significant result amid the ongoing violence.