Report: Truce negotiations ‘have been stopped’
Unnamed sources familiar with the situation tell Israel’s Kan News the negotiations on a ceasefire and captive-prisoner swap between Hamas and Israel “have been stopped”.
The main sticking point was the cessation of the war in exchange for the release of captives, it said.
“The sources said the gaps between the parties are very large with an emphasis on the definition of the term ‘end of the war’, and the Israeli demand for a veto on the names of ‘terrorists’ that Hamas wants released,” said the news report.
Qassam Brigades ‘prepared for a long battle of attrition’
The spokesman for the armed wing of Hamas says in a video message that Palestinians will continue to stand up to the ground invasion of Rafah and other places in Gaza “no matter how long the aggression lasts and regardless of its form”.
“Despite our full desire to stop the aggression against our people, we are prepared for a long battle of attrition against the enemy, dragging them into a swamp where they will gain nothing but the death of their soldiers and the capture of their officers,” said Abu Obeida.
“This is not because we are a great power, but because we are the people of this land and rightful owners.”
The spokesman said Hamas has targeted more than 100 Israeli armoured vehicles, including tanks, troop carriers and bulldozers, along with inflicting casualties on Israeli soldiers by blowing up tunnels, launching rockets and mortars, and through sniping and close-quarters combat.
OCHA warns that humanitarian supplies running out in Gaza
The UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that “there’s almost nothing left to distribute in Gaza”.
“Water and sanitation situation is rapidly deteriorating. With supplies import blocked, people can only resort to using rubble and waste to solve sanitation needs,” OCHA said in a post on X.
"There's almost nothing left to distribute in #Gaza."
Water and sanitation situation is rapidly deteriorating. With supplies import blocked, people can only resort to using rubble and waste to solve sanitation needs.
Hear from our colleague Yasmina Guerda ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/28IqO9qvZH
— UN Humanitarian (@UNOCHA) May 17, 2024
