Negotiations are ongoing between Israel, Hamas, and international mediators to secure a ceasefire in Gaza.

The release of hostages held by both sides is a key demand in the negotiations.

Increasing humanitarian aid and addressing the deteriorating situation in Gaza is a priority.

The United States is actively involved in the negotiations and has proposed a UN resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Hamas is advocating for a permanent ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives. [aljazeera.com]

Hamas accuses Israel of stalling negotiations and targeting security and aid personnel in Gaza. [palestinechronicle.com]

Hamas claims Israel's response to its ceasefire proposal has been negative. [newarab.com]

Hamas condemns Israeli raids on Al-Shifa Hospital, alleging executions of displaced persons, patients, and staff. [palestinechronicle.com]

Hamas demands the U.S. cease military and financial support to Israel to stop the "genocide" in Gaza. [palestinechronicle.com]

Hamas appreciates the support of Palestinians defending Jerusalem during Ramadan. [palestinechronicle.com]

Blinken believes an agreement on a ceasefire is possible, noting that gaps are narrowing. [cnn.com]

The U.S. is urging Israel to reconsider its planned ground assault on Rafah, a refuge for over a million displaced people. [economictimes.indiatimes.com]

The international hunger monitor reports that Gaza's food shortages have surpassed famine levels. [economictimes.indiatimes.com]

Blinken discussed the war with Saudi and Egyptian leaders, aiming to establish a sustainable framework for regional peace. [cnn.com]

The U.S. views the establishment of a Palestinian state as critical for lasting peace and security in the region. [cnn.com]

Blinken highlighted acute food insecurity in Gaza, as Riyadh pledged $40 million to UNRWA. [scmp.com]

Blinken stated that an agreement on a deal to release hostages in exchange for a ceasefire is nearing completion. [jpost.com]

Blinken suggested that reaching an agreement would demonstrate Hamas' care for the residents of Gaza. [jpost.com]

The EU's draft declaration calls for an immediate humanitarian pause in the fighting, leading to a permanent ceasefire. [i24news.tv]

Israel responded to accusations of using starvation as a weapon by stating that terrorists steal aid meant for Gaza. [i24news.tv]

Israel's mission to the UN claims calls for a ceasefire are requests for Hamas to retain hostages and arsenal. [i24news.tv]

Israel commits to significantly increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. [jpost.com]

Hamas claims Israel's response to its ceasefire proposal has been negative [newarab.com], while Israeli media reports that Blinken stated an agreement is nearing completion [jpost.com].

The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) warned that thousands of children in northern Gaza face starvation unless teams can access the area. [aljazeera.net]

Arif Husain, the chief economist at the WFP, stated that children in Gaza, especially in the north, are dying of starvation, and the program is on the verge of declaring a famine in northern Gaza. [aljazeera.net]

The IPC report indicates that 70% of the population in northern Gaza Strip are facing catastrophic hunger. [aljazeera.net]

Israel restricts the entry of humanitarian aid to Gaza, causing a shortage of food, water, medications, and fuel supplies, leading to a famine that has killed children and the elderly. [aljazeera.net]

The United Nations considers Israel's strict restrictions on aid entry to Gaza and its potential use of starvation as a weapon could constitute a war crime. [alarab.co.uk]

Specialized agencies warned that half of Gaza's population is facing catastrophic hunger, with famine expected in the north anytime until May without urgent intervention. [alarab.co.uk]

Famine is imminent in northern Gaza, with 70% of people experiencing catastrophic hunger according to a recent report. [apnews.com]

The European Union's top diplomat labeled the impending famine in Gaza as "entirely manmade," highlighting that starvation is being used as a weapon of war. [apnews.com]

The IPC report states that nearly a third of Gaza's population faces the highest level of catastrophic hunger and acute malnutrition. [apnews.com]

Northern Gaza, including Gaza City, has been severely impacted, with entire neighborhoods obliterated and residents resorting to eating animal feed. The Health Ministry reported at least 27 malnutrition and dehydration deaths, mostly among children. [apnews.com]

EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, asserts that it's Israel's responsibility to facilitate more aid into Gaza, criticizing the closure of land crossings despite trucks being stopped and people dying. [apnews.com]

The World Food Programme estimates at least 300 trucks of food are needed daily in Gaza, yet only nine convoys have entered northern Gaza since the start of the year. [cnn.com]

A senior Israeli defense official claims that the portrayal of hunger in Gaza is exaggerated and asserts there is no hunger, as food sent by Israel is taken by Hamas. [jpost.com]

A former senior Israeli defense official stated that all incoming food and aid to Gaza are controlled by Hamas, leading to a situation where people can't afford to buy food on the black market. [jpost.com]

The former official compared the situation in Gaza to hunger in New York, suggesting the primary issue is a lack of money to buy food, not a scarcity of food itself. [jpost.com]

The former official remarked that Hamas attempts to shoot down food drops from countries like the United States, Jordan, and the UAE, complicating the delivery of aid. [jpost.com]

Claims of the people of Gaza starving to death are contradicted by the substantial humanitarian aid received, as stated by the article. [ynetnews.com]

The article suggests that sympathizers of Gaza in the United States are misled and do not seek the truth about the situation. [ynetnews.com]

The severity and cause of the hunger crisis in Gaza are heavily contested between the Arab, international, and Israeli media narratives.

Arab and international media sources attribute the crisis to Israeli restrictions on aid and military actions, potentially constituting war crimes. [aljazeera.net, alarab.co.uk, apnews.com, cnn.com]

Israeli media sources downplay the crisis, blaming Hamas for obstructing aid distribution and suggesting the issue is economic rather than a food shortage. [jpost.com, ynetnews.com]

Israeli forces executed a raid on Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza, cited as targeting Hamas militants allegedly using the facility for military ends.

The operation led to reported casualties and damages, alongside accusations against Hamas for employing civilian infrastructure for military objectives

The incident has ignited calls for international intervention and widespread condemnation of the raid.

Israeli military engagement involved tanks, heavy gunfire, and artillery, resulting in deaths, injuries, and structural damages

Approximately 30,000 people reported trapped within the Al-Shifa Hospital complex.

Sniper bullets and quadcopters reportedly targeted anyone moving within the hospital.

Al Shifa’s surgical building was allegedly set on fire following Israeli bombings.

Israeli forces purportedly ordered hospital evacuations via loudspeakers, causing hundreds to flee.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari reportedly denied any obligations for hospital evacuations.

Actions targeting individuals approaching hospital windows have been labeled as crimes against health institutions

Previous Israeli raids on Al-Shifa have led to critical disruptions, including power outages and subsequent fatalities

Panic and escape attempts from the hospital have been depicted on social media and in witness accounts.

The UK has urged an investigation into Israel's actions, citing airstrikes and military encirclement of the hospital area.

The IDF's significant early morning operation at Al Shifa Hospital is detailed with extensive military involvement.

According to intelligence reports, senior Hamas officials are in the compound

Near the hospital, around 80 individuals were detained, identified as Hamas affiliates, with efforts reported to segregate terrorists from civilians.

A Palestinian boy named Rami Al Halhouli (or Hamdan Al-Halhouli) was fatally shot.

The incident involved fireworks and took place during Ramadan.

An investigation into the shooting has been initiated.

Rami was killed by a bullet after lighting a firework. [newarab.com]

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir praised the killing of the child by police as the correct action against terrorists, and is characterized by extreme and fanatic views against Palestinians, often making controversial statements. [newarab.com, Al Bawaba]

The Palestinian Ministry for Foreign Affairs condemned the killing as part of "field executions" by Israeli forces in the West Bank, indicating it as evidence of the Israeli right's intention to escalate violence during Ramadan. [Palestinian Ministry for Foreign Affairs]

Defense for Children International Palestine reports that 25 children have been killed in the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the year and highlights that at least 126 Palestinian children were killed by Israeli fire in 2023. [Defense for Children International Palestine]

According to the Palestinian health ministry, a total of 432 people have been killed in the West Bank since 7 October. [Palestinian health ministry]

A discrepancy in reports regarding Rami Al Halhouli's age was noted, with some sources stating 13 and others confirming he was 12. [NYTimes, BBC]

On the day of the incident, six Palestinians, including Al Halhouli, were killed by Israeli security forces across the occupied territories. [BBC, The Guardian]

Social media footage highlighted tensions in Shuafat, including teenagers launching fireworks at police amidst tear gas. [The Guardian]

The case of Rami Al Halhouli is part of a long-standing pattern of violence affecting children in the conflict zone. [BBC]

Clashes occurred in Shuafat in eastern Jerusalem during the second evening of Ramadan, involving the throwing of Molotov cocktails and fireworks at Israeli security forces. [ynetnews.com, jpost.com]

Israeli forces clashed with Muslims in Jenin as they entered the city to combat terrorism, resulting in at least two deaths according to Palestinian reports. [jpost.com]

The Police Investigations Department has initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. [ynetnews.com]

Israel Police vowed to continue acting resolutely against threats and violent rioters. [ynetnews.com, jpost.com]

Several Hollywood celebrities, including Billie Eilish, Mark Ruffalo, Ava DuVernay, Mahershala Ali, Quannah Chasinghorse, Finneas O’Connell, comedian Ramy Youssef, and actor-comedian Rami Malek, wore red pins at the Academy Awards to signify support for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The pins symbolized advocacy for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. This act came amid a season where many stars have avoided drawing attention to the conflict. [nytimes.com, Al Jazeera, Mako, israelhayom.co.il, 13tv.co.il, mako.co.il]

Artists4Ceasefire, responsible for distributing the pins, counted more than 380 signatures from celebrities such as Bradley Cooper, America Ferrera, Cate Blanchett, Drake, Jennifer Lopez, and Ben Affleck, urging President Biden to push for a ceasefire. Rami Malek described the pin as standing for “Artists for Peace”, with over 400 signatories for the cause. [nytimes.com, Al Jazeera, israelhayom.co.il, mako.co.il]

The film “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan and featuring Cillian Murphy, surpassed one billion dollars at the box office and was awarded Best Picture at the 96th Academy Awards from a record 13 nominations. “Poor Things” also saw significant success, winning four categories including Best Actress for Emma Stone. [AP News, now14.co.il]

Outside the Dolby Theatre, protests related to the Gaza conflict took place, involving organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and SAG-AFTRA Members for a Ceasefire. The protests focused on the Israeli military’s actions in Rafah and raised concerns of genocide and famine. Security forces were on alert for potential disruptions tied to anti-war demonstrations. [AP News, Al Jazeera, Mako]

Jonathan Glazer’s “The Zone of Interest”, won Best International Film, marking the first occasion a British film won this Oscar. Glazer’s acceptance speech highlighted the need to end the conflict, emphasizing that Judaism and the Holocaust should not be associated with the war. [AP News, The Guardian, Mako, 13tv.co.il, mako.co.il]

The red badge initiative faced criticism, with some suggesting it accidentally symbolized the lynching of two reservists killed in Ramallah in 2000, triggering backlash for making a political statement on the ceasefire in Gaza. [Al Jazeera, israelhayom.co.il]

Anat Fabricant, partner of Ynon Kreiz, showed support for Israel at the Oscars, counterbalancing criticisms of Hollywood’s perceived negligence towards Israel’s predicament with the captives’ issue. Israeli representative Noa Tishby voiced disappointment with the ceremony’s perceived promotion of Hamas’s agenda. [13tv.co.il, mako.co.il]

Elon Musk criticized the Oscars and “woke” culture, suggesting that the award has become part of a “woke” competition that potentially undermines the recognition of true merit within Hollywood. Musk has previously expressed his opposition to American political correctness and DEI, which he has termed as a form of racism. [Mako.co.il]

Netanyahu and Biden engaged in a telephone conversation, ending over three weeks without communication.

Biden reportedly presented Netanyahu with two possible his leadership may be viewed in the future: as the leader under whose government the October 7 attack took place, or as the one who paved the way for peace.

Netanyahu clarified statements made during a press conference were not intended to eliminate the possibility of a Palestinian state.

The leaders discussed the possibility and development of a demilitarized Palestinian state.

Biden emphasized his commitment to the two-state solution and the need to address payment issues for Palestinian Authority personnel in the West Bank.

Netanyahu told Biden that Israel would not back down from its combat premises.

Biden expressed satisfaction regarding Israeli decisions to allow flour shipments to Gaza.

There were discussions about Israel's responsibility to minimize harm to civilians in Gaza, targeted military operations and humanitarian aid.

Following the publication of the contents of the conversation, on Saturday, Netanyahu's office rejected full Palestinian sovereignty.

Netanyahu asserts that Israel must maintain security control over the entirety of the territory west of the Jordan River.

Israeli minister Gideon Sa'ar said Israel needs full security control to secure the safety of its citizens. Such control, he said, is incongruent with a Palestinian state (Arutz 14).

Netanyahu's statements in the last months have been interpreted as positioning against the Biden administration, including the prospect of forming a Palestinian state.

The US administration has seen Netanyahu increasingly as an obstacle to its Middle East strategy, particularly regarding a two-state solution.

There is tension between the Biden administration and Netanyahu’s government regarding post-Gaza conflict arrangements.

EU Foreign Affairs Representative Josep Borrell criticized Netanyahu and suggested that the international community impose a two-state solution.

Thomas Friedman of The New York Times wrote that Netanyahu is likely to frame his election campaign around opposing Biden's suggested Palestinian State, arguing that he alone can resist such external pressures.

The article suggests that Netanyahu’s motive for opposition might be linked to his political survival and to avoid legal consequences from his ongoing corruption trials, which he faces if he loses power.

Over the last three months, the watermelon image has emerged worldwide as a symbol of a pro-Palestinian stance.

Watermelons' colors (red pulp, green-white rind, black seeds) match the Palestinian flag, prompting use globally in protests.

Historical context ties the watermelon to non-violent protest, originating after the 1967 war due to the Palestinian flag's prohibition by Israeli officials.

Israeli law prohibited the use of Palestinian flag colors, leading protesters to use watermelons as a form of silent protest.

Recently, social media platforms have reportedly exhibited biases in content moderation, affecting expressions about Palestinians, prompting activists to use emojis and images like the watermelon as a workaround.

The watermelon emoji and art from protests entered mainstream awareness, also aming Jewish groups, in Israel and elsewhere.

Star power boosted the watermelon symbol's visibility when Violet Affleck, the daughter of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, wore a T-shirt with the image.

The media exposure that followed boosted the sales Wear The Peace's "Freedom Melon" crewneck [Suntimes]

Starbucks faced backlash due to mistaken associations with the watermelon symbol and the Palestinian cause in the online sphere.

The watermelon symbol extends to support for a ceasefire in Gaza and resilience ("They wanted to bury us; they didn't know we were seeds.").

The watermelon image is used by the group Jewish Voice for Peace and watermelon stickers are used by Israeli activist group Zazim as a response to the banning of Palestinian flags.

A variety of emotive and symbolic references (keys, spoons, olives, doves, poppies, keffiyeh scarf) have also been associated with Palestinian support and recognized globally.

South Africa brought a legal case against Israel, accusing it of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The case at the ICJ represents a critical juncture where the Global South openly challenges the West's historical narrative and calls for accountability in terms of human rights and adherence to international law.

The support for South Africa's stance reflects a shift in global power dynamics, with the Global South asserting its voice on the international stage.

The growing partnership between China and various African nations, as opposed to the waning influence of traditional Western powers in the region, might indicate a new geopolitical realignment.

Namibia and Bangladesh, among other countries in the Global South, back South Africa's challenge.

Namibia issued a statement critical of Germany's defense of Israel, while Berlin's government denied genocide accusations against Israel, citing commitment to the UN Convention against genocide.

Bangladesh's Foreign Ministry plans to intervene in support of South Africa against Israel's "blatant disregard for and violation of international law."

The US opposed South Africa's case, affecting its credibility among Africans.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no one, including The Hague, can stop Israel.

Boycott campaigns against American chains like McDonald's in response to Israel's offensive in Gaza occur in some African countries. -

The Algemeiner asserts that despite receiving funding from the US, the PA is allying itself with American adversaries, signaling a complex dynamic in foreign aid and international allegiance.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) rejected Taiwan's independence, aligning with China.

Mahmoud Abbas reaffirmed PA's commitment to one-China principle and China's territorial integrity, including Taiwan.

The PA regularly emphasizes its friendship with China, while Abbas has publicly stated distrust in the US.

There is a contrasting viewpoint on whether the large-scale military response by Israel in Gaza constitutes genocide. While South Africa and supporting countries argue that it fits the definition set forth in the 1948 Genocide Convention, Israel and its allies refute these claims.

The characterization of Israel's military response as "the first live-streamed genocide" by an Irish lawyer on the South African legal team is mentioned by Le Monde, uniquely highlighting the evolving narrative in international law.

The United States and Saudi Arabia are negotiating a substantial agreement aimed at ending the Israel-Hamas conflict and advancing Middle Eastern stability.

Central issues include the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, establishing moderate Palestinian governance, and defense treaties countering Iran's influence.

Saudi Arabia requires a realistic pathway to a Palestinian state as part of any agreement, a condition facing resistance within Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu opposes advancement of a Palestinian state, emphasizing security concerns for Israelis (Dagospia).

Netanyahu's purportedly rejected U.S. requests regarding funds transfers to the Palestinian Authority (Dagospia).

U.S. officials claim Netanyahu won't be in office forever, suggesting the U.S. is planning for a post-Netanyahu era (Ynet and Assawsana).

There are political obstacles in all three countries, and the plans involve delicate negotiations and proposed meetings in Saudi Arabia.

High-profile U.S. visitors, such as Senator Lindsey Graham and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have held talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Arab leaders.

The discussions are building on the momentum of the Abraham Accords but confront significant hurdles, including Israeli public opposition following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.

The proposed pact could reshape regional alliances and significantly impact the Israel-Palestine conflict.

A U.S.-Saudi-Israeli alliance could curb Iranian expansionism and terrorism in the region, potentially bringing long-term stability.

Palestinian statehood and Gaza’s reconstruction represent a dramatic shift in regional dynamics, potentially altering the landscape of Middle East peace efforts.

The success or failure of these negotiations holds implications for the political futures of those involved, such as Netanyahu's position in Israel and broader U.S.-Middle East relations.