Israeli drone strikes in Rafah result in the deaths of three Palestinians, amidst escalating violence and fragile ceasefire negotiations in Cairo.
In the early hours of Saturday, an Israeli drone targeted a group of people east of Rafah city, resulting in the deaths of two Palestinians. Our correspondents reported another death caused by Israeli fire in the area of at-Tannour, also to the east of Rafah.
Since Friday night, Rafah has been subjected to intense Israeli attacks from tanks and drones. The Palestinian news agency Wafa reported shelling in residential areas, including al-Jnaina, ash-Shawka, and Tal as-Sultan.
As per Gaza’s Ministry of Health, Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 48,453 Palestinian fatalities and 111,860 injuries since October 7, 2023.
Marking International Women’s Day, the head of the Gaza Government Media Office disclosed that 12,316 women have lost their lives during the conflict
“International Women’s Day falls amidst the ongoing Israeli siege and the obstruction of aid, leaving women in dire humanitarian conditions, struggling with hunger and thirst.” – Salama Maarouf
Government data reveals that at least 2,000 women and girls have become permanently disabled due to amputations.
Ceasefire Negotiations
Despite ongoing attacks, a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo on Friday to discuss the Gaza ceasefire. The delegation, which includes senior Hamas members, is expected to meet with Egyptian officials on Saturday to discuss the next phase of the ceasefire.
Al Jazeera’s Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza City, stated that Palestinians are eagerly awaiting news regarding the negotiations.
“We know that the first phase of the ceasefire concluded on March 1 and both Israel and Hamas agreed to a week-long truce, which ends today. Palestinians are anxious that the second phase has not yet taken effect and are waiting for any news from the negotiations, feeling that this ceasefire is fragile.” – Khoudary
As Palestinians await news about the ceasefire, the Israeli blockade of humanitarian aid is applying immense pressure on people already struggling to survive.
“This blockade is suffocating Palestinians. They never imagined that a ceasefire and Ramadan would come and that they would be unable to cook their favourite dishes.” – Khoudary
In late February, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that humanitarian aid would no longer enter Gaza in retaliation for Hamas not accepting Israel’s proposal to extend phase one of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, over 50 freed Israeli captives have urged Netanyahu to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire and ensure the release of those still held in Gaza.
“We who have experienced the inferno know that a return to war is life-threatening for those still left behind. Therefore, we urge the immediate and complete implementation of the agreement in one single maneuver.” – Letter from 56 former captives posted on Instagram.
