Taher al-Nounou, an adviser to Hamas’ political leader, told the BBC that discussions officially began in Doha on Saturday with “no preconditions” and all issues open for negotiation.
Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Hamas had returned to indirect talks in Qatar, seeking a potential hostage deal. He described the move as a shift from the group’s previous “recalcitrant position.”
The renewed diplomatic efforts come as Israel escalates its military campaign, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announcing “Operation Gideon’s Chariot”—a large-scale offensive aimed at seizing strategic areas of Gaza, dismantling Hamas, and rescuing hostages.
Escalating Military Operations
- The IDF said it struck over 150 targets across Gaza in 24 hours.
- Troops, including reservists, are being mobilized for a sustained push into the Strip.
- The operation seeks to control territory, relocate civilians south, and block Hamas from seizing aid, according to The Times of Israel.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
- Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense reports over 300 killed since Thursday.
- Local health authorities say at least 146 Palestinians died in the past day, with many more wounded.
- Israel’s aid blockade, imposed after a ceasefire collapsed in March, has worsened starvation, with US President Donald Trump warning of severe hunger in Gaza.
Civilians Trapped Amid Evacuation Orders
Residents in northern and central Gaza have been ordered to evacuate—a directive aid groups call “impossible” as many have already been displaced multiple times.
The conflict continues to draw global condemnation, with fears of further civilian casualties as military operations intensify.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced earlier this month that Israel was readying an “intense entry into Gaza” to seize and occupy territory—but delayed the offensive until U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East tour. Trump departed the region on Friday, shortly before Israel launched its latest large-scale military operation.
Global Outcry Over Gaza Assault
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “alarmed” by Israel’s offensive, condemning the forced displacement of Gazans.
- UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk accused Israel of actions “tantamount to ethnic cleansing.”
- Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani joined calls for an immediate, permanent ceasefire to halt the bloodshed.
The operation follows Netanyahu’s vow to intensify military pressure on Hamas, despite mounting international criticism over civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions.
British Surgeon in Gaza Describes Devastating Malnutrition Crisis as Famine Looms
Khan Younis, Gaza – Dr. Victoria Rose, a British reconstructive surgeon working at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, has painted a harrowing picture of the medical and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the besieged enclave.
In an emotional interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Dr. Rose revealed that medical staff are “exhausted” and have lost a “considerable amount of weight” due to extreme conditions.
Children Suffering Most
- Severe malnutrition is causing children’s teeth to fall out
- Young patients with burn injuries face high infection risks due to weakened immune systems
- Healing is nearly impossible without proper nutrition
UN Warns of Imminent Famine
A UN-backed report this week confirmed Gaza’s population is at “critical risk” of famine, with food and medical supplies dangerously scarce.
Israel Denies Food Shortages
The Israeli government continues to reject claims of a hunger crisis, despite overwhelming evidence from aid groups and medical staff on the ground.
War’s Toll
Israel’s military offensive, launched after Hamas’ October 7 attack (which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage), has now claimed over 53,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. 58 hostages remain captive.
As the conflict enters its ninth month, medical workers like Dr. Rose struggle to save lives amid collapsing healthcare systems and starvation-level deprivation.