Gazans mark Eid as Hamas reviews Israeli ceasefire proposal
STORY: Here in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, people prepare to mark Eid al-Fitr, the feast that ends the month-long observance of Ramadan.
Amid the destruction, there is little cheer for Palestinians this year.
“There is no meaning for Eid from inside the shelter places,” this man says.
The devastated enclave is facing the risk of widespread famine and disease with nearly all of its inhabitants now homeless...
About six months into Israel’s air and ground campaign in Gaza, which was triggered by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7.
Israel says aid is moving into Gaza more quickly after international pressure, but the amount is disputed.
The United Nations says it’s still much less than the bare minimum to meet humanitarian needs.
Hamas said on Tuesday that an Israeli ceasefire proposal delivered during talks in Cairo fell short of its demands.
But the group said it would study the offer further and deliver a response to Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
The talks have so far failed to reach a breakthrough in pausing the war.
Hamas wants any agreement to secure an end to the Israeli offensive, a withdrawal of forces as well as to allow displaced people to return to their homes.
Israel wants to secure the release of hostages seized by Hamas in the October attack.
Of the 253 people seized on Oct. 7, 133 hostages remain captive.
Residents said Israeli forces kept up airstrikes in central Gaza and Rafah on Tuesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told military recruits the same day that Israel will “complete the elimination of Hamas brigades, including in Rafah…”
He has said victory over Hamas required going into the southern city - and that there is a date for the operation, despite Washington’s warning not to go ahead.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says he expects talks between Israeli and U.S. officials to take place next week on that potential operation.
There have been international pleas for restraint in Rafah… where over a million displaced civilians are holed up.
