Gaza Hospitals on the Brink as Israel Expands Military Offensive and Ceasefire Talks Intensify
Fuel Shortages Threaten Health Services in Gaza Amid Warnings of Genocide and Renewed Mediation Efforts.
Watan-As the Israeli occupation army continues its genocide in Gaza for over 19 months, the Ministry of Health in the Strip warned that rationing the remaining fuel needed to operate hospital generators will not allow much more time to keep them running or ensure the continuity of healthcare services.
The ministry issued a renewed urgent appeal for fuel supply, while the Government Media Office stated that hospitals are on the verge of collapse within 84 hours.
Diplomatic Efforts and Ceasefire Proposal
On the political front, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed learned that Egypt has received a new American proposal to revive mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel in pursuit of a ceasefire in Gaza. According to an Egyptian source, this proposal serves as a “threshold” to transition from the current crisis to negotiations aimed at ending the war and restoring calm in the region.
Qatar, the lead mediator in ceasefire negotiations, confirmed its continued efforts despite the difficulties. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated during a press conference on Tuesday: “Our efforts are ongoing despite the difficult situation and the catastrophic humanitarian conditions in Gaza. There are serious challenges to these negotiations, but we maintain ongoing communication with all relevant parties, including the United States and Steve Witkoff in particular.”
International Rejection of Israeli Expansion Plans
International opposition continues to mount against Israel’s plan to expand its war and occupation of Gaza. On Tuesday, Hamas condemned the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a broader ground operation, calling it “a clear decision to sacrifice Israeli captives.”
Also on Tuesday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) rejected an Israeli proposal to shut down the existing aid system in Gaza, asserting it failed to meet basic humanitarian principles such as neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced its intention to escalate its assault in Rafah, southern Gaza. In a statement, the army said: “After completing the encirclement of Rafah several weeks ago, our forces continue operating in the area and are expected to expand into additional neighborhoods and locations.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Monday that the government had approved the expansion of the ongoing military campaign, along with the full occupation of the Gaza Strip and the displacement of all its residents to the south.
