Mediator Qatar Says Gaza Truce 'Not Promising' As Israel Rejects Calls To Spare Rafah

Qatar, mediating between Israel and Hamas, indicated that a ceasefire seems unlikely as Israel ignored international requests to avoid an offensive in Rafah, Gaza.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, deeming foreign calls to protect the city where 1.4 million Palestinians have sought sanctuary as tantamount to surrender, insisted the military action would proceed despite potential deals on releasing Israeli hostages.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh demanded a full cessation of hostilities, prisoner releases, and Israeli troop withdrawal, terms Netanyahu scorned as absurd. With truce discussions stalling, Hamas threatened to quit talks unless aid reached northern Gaza, where a food crisis looms.

As thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding action for missing Israeli citizens, Gaza faced a healthcare crisis. Israeli soldiers detained around 100 individuals at a hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis during an operation allegedly targeting hostage rescue efforts. The health ministry reported six patient deaths following the power outage during the raid.

The conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on October 7, has led to immense casualties: approximately 1,160 Israelis, mostly civilians, and at least 28,858 Gazans, predominantly women and children, have been killed.

In northern Gaza, citizens are struggling for food, with some resorting to grinding animal feed for sustenance. UN warnings point to an impending famine as the UN relief agency head claimed Israel seeks their destruction.

Israel has pressed for the agency chief's resignation over allegations of a Hamas tunnel under their headquarters and claims of staff involvement in attacks. With funds being withheld from the agency, a looming financial shortfall threatens its operations by April.