U.S. shutdown enters Day 6 as Trump dodges on Obamacare funds

Key Takeaways:

• Egypt hosts new negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
• Partial Israeli withdrawal and prisoner exchanges form the heart of the proposed deal.
• U.S. involvement, including Jared Kushner, underscores international efforts to end the conflict.
• Gaza’s civilian toll remains high, with mothers struggling to care for their children in harsh conditions.
• As the conflict enters its third year, officials strive for a swift but challenging resolution.

Diplomatic Talks in Egypt

Negotiators from Israel and Hamas arrived in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh this week to discuss a possible ceasefire. Ron Dermer heads the Israeli delegation, and Khalil al-Hayyah leads talks for Hamas. U.S. representatives are also expected to join, according to reports from Egypt’s state-run Al-Ahram, including President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.

Framework for a Ceasefire

Under the proposals, Israel would begin a partial withdrawal of its forces from Gaza, contingent on Hamas releasing the remaining hostages it holds. In exchange, Israeli officials have discussed freeing Palestinian prisoners. Hamas indicated it accepted elements of a U.S. plan, which includes handing over dozens of remaining hostages—about 20 believed to be alive—and giving up its weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled support for these steps but warned that negotiations could last only “a few days at most,” while Hamas officials caution that more time may be needed to recover those still buried beneath rubble.

Humanitarian Toll in Gaza

Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the war has claimed 67,139 Palestinian lives and injured nearly 170,000 since it erupted on October 7, 2023. Around half of those killed have been identified as women and children, underscoring the conflict’s heavy civilian toll. While Israel insists its bombing campaign has been scaled back and is primarily defensive, local officials report dozens of Palestinian deaths since partial ceasefire measures were announced.

Military Perspective

Israeli military sources say operations are largely designed to protect troops and neutralize imminent threats. On Monday, the military announced it had eliminated what it described as a “terrorist cell armed with explosive devices and mortars,” thwarting a potential attack on soldiers. It also reported destroying sites used by militants to launch mortars and anti-tank weapons, highlighting a precarious security situation despite negotiations.

Lives Interrupted: Stories of Displacement and Fear

War’s impact falls heavily on families living in overcrowded camps. In Gaza, mothers like Rola Saqer and her displaced family face tremendous hardship. Rola’s daughter Masa, born the day the war started two years ago, suffers from malnutrition and weighs only eight kilos, the same weight she had five months ago. “She is two, and she has been living in fear, war, and displacement,” says Rola, who had tried for years to conceive.
Nearby, another young