Hamas’ response to Israel’s counter-proposal for the release of the hostages is awaited, while the army masses vehicles near Rafah. An aid flotilla blocked in Türkiye, a small merchant ship departing from Cyprus
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Israel has warned Egypt, so that this warning is passed on to Hamas, which remains one last chance to reach a deal on the hostages before the long-awaited ground operation in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israeli media reported that another round of talks in Cairo concluded on Friday and that the Israeli delegation was “willing to make further widespread concessions to secure a deal” but warned against any further “back and forth” ” by Hamas.
Hamas’ response to Israel’s counter-proposal awaited
The media reported that Israel is ready to accept the release of only 33 live hostages, women, children, the elderly and the sick, and not just 20 hostages as proposed by Hamas. The exact times “for the last chance” were not specified, but news agencies showed images of Israeli armored vehicles already massed in the immediate vicinity of Rafah.
Hamas second-in-command Khalil Al-Hayya confirmed “receipt of the Zionist occupation’s official response to the proposal presented to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13.” However, it is not clear when Hamas will respond to the Israeli counterproposal.
Investigations into UNRWA continue
United Nations investigators, who are examining the cases of workers of the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) accused by Israel, said they had abandoned five out of 19 cases due to lack of evidence on the Israeli side. Of 12 allegations originating from Israel, one was closed completely and three others were suspended: of the seven most recent cases, one is suspended “pending further evidence from the Israeli side.” The investigators underline that they continue to work on the files that are still open.
In this context, the other countries have decided to resume funding for UNRWA that was suspended after Israel accused the agency of helping Hamas. Last Friday, the Dutch government has stated that it is considering the possibility of resuming funding to the UN agency whether it will “implement recommendations to strengthen its neutrality.” UNRWA insists on doing everything possible to continue providing aid to the Palestinians.
Aid blocked in Türkiye, small freighter leaves Cyprus
Meanwhile, more aid is waiting from the “Freedom Flotillia”, a group of ships moored and loading at a port near Istanbul. The ship has been there for many days and its departure is constantly delayed. Activists accuse Israel of posing additional bureaucratic hurdles. The Freedom Flotillia is expected to carry approximately 5,500 tons of humanitarian cargo; the organizers intended to attempt to break Israel’s maritime blockade of Gaza. While Saturday morning a small freighter loaded with aid donated by the United Arab Emirates left the port of Larnaca, Cyprus, to reach Gaza.
