US envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to discuss Gaza, with both sides calling the talks constructive. Meanwhile, Israeli fire killed three people in Gaza on Sunday, according to medics, amid ongoing tensions.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
US-Israel talks: Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Netanyahu to discuss Gaza, emphasizing cooperation. Witkoff described the discussion as "constructive and positive."
Gaza casualties: The Gaza Health Ministry reports at least 480 people have been killed by Israeli fire since a ceasefire agreement took effect last October, with over 71,000 total deaths since October 2023.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background of the conflict
The war began after a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people. Gaza has since been heavily affected by the conflict, with widespread destruction reported.
Ongoing ceasefire and violence
Despite the ceasefire agreement, clashes and casualties continue. The Gaza Health Ministry attributes the recent deaths to Israeli fire, while Israel has not publicly commented on the incident.
US role in negotiations
The US has been actively involved in mediating the conflict, with envoys emphasizing the importance of cooperation. The discussions focused on next steps for the region, though no specific details were disclosed.
Diverging casualty reports
Israeli and Palestinian sources differ on casualty figures. Israel has not independently verified the Gaza Health Ministry's numbers, which report over 71,000 deaths, mostly civilians.