Gaza death toll passes 58,000; ceasefire talks drag on

The Palestinian decease toll successful Gaza has crossed 58,000 since the warfare began 21 months ago, according to the territory’s wellness ministry arsenic reported by Associated Press. The ministry does not abstracted civilians from fighters successful its number but says much than fractional of those killed are women and children. The fig of deaths is rising arsenic Israel and Hamas proceed to sermon a US-backed ceasefire.Meanwhile, connected Sunday, Israeli airstrikes successful Gaza killed astatine slightest 19 people, including six children who were astatine a h2o postulation point, section wellness officials said, arsenic quoted by AP. This happened contempt efforts by mediators to propulsion for a ceasefire. Talks betwixt Israel and Hamas person yet to marque advancement toward an statement to intermission the warfare and merchandise immoderate of the Israeli hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was successful Washington past week to sermon the connection with the Trump administration. A caller disagreement has travel up regarding the beingness of Israeli troops during the ceasefire, raising concerns astir whether a woody is possible. Israel wants to support troops successful a cardinal onshore corridor successful confederate Gaza. Hamas sees this request arsenic a motion that Israel plans to proceed the warfare aft immoderate impermanent ceasefire ends.

Israel has said it volition halt the warfare lone if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and leaves Gaza. Hamas has rejected these conditions. It says it is acceptable to merchandise the remaining 50 Israeli hostages, less than fractional of whom are believed to beryllium alive, successful instrumentality for a afloat Israeli withdrawal and an extremity to the war. Meanwhile, unit has besides accrued successful the Israeli-occupied West Bank during the Gaza war. On Sunday, funerals were held for 2 Palestinians, including 20-year-old Palestinian-American Sayfollah Musallet, AP reported. He was killed successful an onslaught by Israeli settlers, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.