US Envoys Hold Talks With Netanyahu
US envoys meet Netanyahu Gaza: United States envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday in what has been described as a “constructive” discussion. According to Witkoff, the meeting focused on the progress and implementation of Phase 2 of President Trump’s 20-Point Plan for Gaza, which the US and Israel are advancing in close partnership.
The discussion also touched on broader regional issues, likely referencing rising tensions between the US and Iran and speculation over potential military action reminiscent of the June conflict with Tehran.
Gaza Under Continuous Bombardment
Despite an October 10 ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States, Israel has continued military operations in Gaza. Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud described near-constant gunfire and shelling, particularly in the eastern areas of the Strip.
Medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital confirmed at least one person killed and 15 others wounded throughout the day.
Further north, in Jabalia refugee camp, a drone strike targeted a medical facility near the “yellow line” dividing Israeli- and Palestinian-controlled zones. Israeli military vehicles also fired artillery shells across multiple areas of the town, creating hazardous conditions for paramedics and civil defense teams.
| Location | Casualties Reported | Incident Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gaza City | 1 killed, 15 wounded | Continuous shelling and gunfire |
| Jabalia Camp | Unknown | Drone attack on medical facility, artillery shelling |
Since October 11, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports 484 Palestinians killed and 1,321 wounded in Israeli attacks. Broader statistics claim 71,657 deaths and 171,399 wounded in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
Rafah Border Reopening: Hope and Concern
Amid the ongoing assault, Gaza’s Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to reopen soon. Ali Shaath, head of Gaza’s technocratic committee, stated at the World Economic Forum in Davos that reopening would symbolize that Gaza is “no longer closed to the future and to the war.”
This move aligns with President Trump’s 20-point plan, which calls for enabling movement through Gaza’s main border in both directions.
Ahmed al-Jojo, a Palestinian resident separated from his fiancée due to the closure, described the personal impact of the blockade:
“I lived through all the stages that followed her departure – alone without her, and without any motivation for life. Opening the crossing would be a solution, but only a partial one.”
However, previous announcements of Rafah reopening have sometimes failed to materialize. Concerns persist that Israel could limit the crossing to a one-way exit, potentially exacerbating displacement and ethnic tensions.
Israeli authorities maintain that full reopening depends on the return of the remaining deceased captive and the disarmament of Hamas, underscoring the ongoing political and security complexities.
| Aspect | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rafah Crossing | Expected to reopen | Both directions proposed |
| Palestinian Access | Restricted in past closures | Concerns over one-way exit and security conditions |
| Political Conditions | Return of deceased captive, Hamas disarmament | Israeli requirement for full reopening |
Human Cost of Ongoing Conflict
The human toll in Gaza continues to rise as bombardments persist, medical facilities are targeted, and civilians face barriers to aid and mobility. The reopening of Rafah offers a glimmer of hope for families like al-Jojo’s, but widespread insecurity and military operations continue to define daily life for residents.
The situation remains volatile, with US diplomatic engagement seeking to mediate long-term solutions, while immediate humanitarian needs grow increasingly urgent.
Summary Table: Key Figures in Gaza Conflict
| Metric | Number Reported |
|---|---|
| Palestinians killed (since Oct 11) | 484 |
| Palestinians wounded (since Oct 11) | 1,321 |
| Total deaths in Gaza (since Oct 7, 2023) | 71,657 |
| Total wounded in Gaza (since Oct 7, 2023) | 171,399 |