His comments came as Israel struck the Hamas-controlled territory, which is home to 2.3 million people. people, after the attack on Israel organized by Hamas, during which more than 1.2 thousand were killed. people. Officials reported that more than 1,200 people were killed in Gaza during Israeli retaliatory strikes. people.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, invading its territory and launching rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Hamas is the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip and has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it has restricted the entry of goods into the territory and their departure from it by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
#ICRC #humanitarian #situation #Gaza #Strip #spiral #control
What are the complexities and potential hurdles preventing a ceasefire?
## Interview Transcript
**Host:** We’re joined today by [Guest Name], [Guest Credentials], to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. There’s been some conflicting news regarding a potential cease-fire, can you shed some light on the situation?
**Guest:** Certainly. Just moments ago, Hamas announced its acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal aimed at ending the seven-month conflict. However, [Israel is proceeding with operations in Gaza while internal discussions continue regarding the proposal [[1](https://apnews.com/live/cease-fire-israel-hamas-updates)]. This indicates there are still complexities and potential hurdles to overcome before a cease-fire can truly take hold.
**Host:** This is a tense backdrop considering [Israel’s airstrikes on Rafah, a densely populated area in Gaza [[1](https://apnews.com/live/cease-fire-israel-hamas-updates)]]. The civilian toll in this conflict is already staggering, with over 1,200 lives lost in Gaza and a similar number in Israel. What are your thoughts on the humanitarian crisis unfolding?
**Guest:** The situation in Gaza is undoubtedly dire. Two million people are trapped in a territory devastated by airstrikes, facing
acute shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The international community must prioritize providing urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza and ensuring safe passage for civilians fleeing the conflict zone.
**Host:** Many are looking for a path to lasting peace. What steps can be taken to move beyond this cycle of violence?
**Guest:** Achieving sustainable peace requires a multi-faceted approach. Addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the Israeli-Palestinian land dispute and the blockade on Gaza, is crucial. Continued international diplomacy is needed to facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hamas, ultimately aiming for a two-state solution that ensures security and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.
**Host:** Thank you for sharing your insights, [Guest Name]. We will continue to follow developments in this rapidly evolving situation closely.