Qatar has been engaged in discussions with Hamas regarding the release ofIsraeli women and children who were captured, in exchange for theliberation of 36 Palestinian women and children from Israeli prisons, asreported by Reuters.
The source indicated that these discussions are progressing positively,although no significant breakthrough has been reached yet. Simultaneously,the Xinhua Agency reported that Hamas has conveyed to Qatar its willingnessto consider a prisoner exchange agreement with the Israeli authorities,which includes the release of all Palestinian female detainees.
Qatar is mediating this urgent prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel.Earlier, Israel’s defense minister had declared a “total blockade” on theGaza Strip, including restrictions on food and fuel imports, as reported byAl Jazeera. Yoav Gallant, Israel’s defense minister, announced acomprehensive siege on Gaza, involving the suspension of electricity andthe blockade of essential supplies.
The conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas began following a barrage ofover 2,000 rockets launched from the Gaza Strip on October 7. Hamasinitiated a significant attack on Israel, infiltrating southern regions ofthe country, as reported by local media and medical professionals.
It’s crucial to note that Gaza has been under a crippling air, land, andsea blockade since 2007. Additionally, the military wing of Hamas, theal-Qassam Brigades, reported that Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip hadresulted in the deaths of four Israeli soldiers and multiple groupfighters. The Israeli military continued its heavy bombardment of Gaza inresponse to Hamas’s infiltration and attacks on its territory.
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The conflict persisted between Israeli forces and Hamas for the thirdconsecutive day after Hamas’s incursion into Israeli-occupied territoriesby land, air, and sea, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Israel responded with airstrikes on Gaza, causing casualties andsignificant damage to residential buildings, including a 14-storey tower incentral Gaza city. In southern Israel, Hamas fighters continued to engageIsraeli security forces following a surprise assault to infiltrate nearbytowns.