Israeli forces have attacked Gaza, killing two, as condemnation of the blockade on aid intensifies. Hamas calls the blockade ‘collective punishment’ while Netanyahu warns of severe repercussions if captives are not released. An Egyptian proposal aims to reconstruct Gaza and replace Hamas-run governance with interim authority, though it lacks clarity on funding and implementation details. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to visit the region, with ongoing humanitarian distress faced by the population.

Israeli forces recently conducted an attack in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, as global condemnation of the blockade on aid continues. Hamas has described Israel’s blockade as ‘collective punishment,’ while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened severe consequences should captives not be released. A plan led by Egypt for the reconstruction of Gaza aims to replace Hamas with interim authorities controlled by Arab, Muslim, and Western nations, according to a draft proposal from Reuters.

This Cairo plan presents an alternative to former President Trump’s proposals that aimed at significantly altering the demographics of Gaza’s population. Set to be introduced at the following Arab League summit in Egypt, the Cairo plan suggests establishing a Governance Assistance Mission to manage humanitarian aid and initiate reconstruction in Gaza, a task formerly overseen by Hamas.

However, the proposal leaves significant unanswered questions regarding funding for reconstruction and the specifics of sidelining Hamas from governance. The draft highlights the lack of international funding for Gaza’s rebuilding efforts as long as Hamas maintains its dominance and armed control over local governance structures.

Additionally, the proposal is ambiguous on whether it would be enacted in the context of an overarching peace agreement aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff plans to visit the region, though his objectives remain unclear—either extending the current ceasefire or advancing the process towards a second phase.

Although Israel has reportedly accepted Witkoff’s proposal to prolong the ceasefire, Hamas has rejected it. The situation remains tense, as Ayoub Maarouf and his family, who are enduring severe food shortages, illustrate through their experience of breaking their fast in the remnants of their home amidst the ongoing conflict. Reportedly, they resort to eating grass due to a lack of resources in the besieged enclave. On this page, readers can follow continuous live updates about Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.

In summary, the situation in Gaza remains dire as Israeli military actions escalate, resulting in loss of life amidst ongoing calls for humanitarian aid. The proposed Egyptian-led plan for Gaza’s reconstruction seeks to replace Hamas with alternative governance structures, although it lacks clarity on funding and execution. The engagement of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff may influence ceasefire negotiations, but the potential for continued conflict looms large as basic necessities become increasingly scarce for residents in Gaza.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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