The first phase of the Israel-Hamas truce has expired, with no breakthrough announced in the ongoing talks in Egypt regarding the next stage. Israel’s delegation has returned from Cairo, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with his security team.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the truce to “hold” and urged both parties to make every effort to avoid the agreement breaking down. Meanwhile, the US has approved the sale of over $3 billion in munitions, bulldozers, and military equipment to Israel.
As for the casualties, Gaza’s Health Ministry has confirmed 48,365 Palestinian deaths, with 111,780 wounded. The Government Media Office reported at least 61,709 deaths, including thousands who are presumed dead under the rubble. On Israel’s side, at least 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, with more than 200 taken captive.
