GAZA CITY, Dec 19, (V7N) – Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas gained traction Wednesday as U.S. officials and Arab mediators worked to finalize an agreement that could end the 14-month-long war in the Gaza Strip. However, deadly violence continued, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 20 Palestinians, medics reported.

Negotiation Hurdles

A Palestinian official involved in the talks stated that while significant progress had been made on most clauses of the proposed agreement, disagreements remained. Sources in Cairo suggested a deal involving a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange—Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody for hostages held by Hamas—might be reached in the coming days.

Escalating Casualties

Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday targeted several locations, including Beit Lahiya, Gaza City, and Rafah. In one of the deadliest attacks, 10 people were killed in a single strike on a house in Jabalia. Additional airstrikes in Beit Hanoun and Bureij led to further fatalities.

Palestinians accuse Israel of pursuing "ethnic cleansing" to establish a buffer zone in the northern Gaza Strip—a claim Israel denies, stating its actions aim to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities.

The ongoing campaign has caused severe damage, including shelling near Al-Awda Hospital, which wounded seven medics and a patient.

Diplomatic Efforts Intensify

With President Joe Biden set to leave office next month, U.S. mediators have accelerated peace efforts. Key players include CIA Director William Burns, who is meeting Qatari officials, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog, who engaged with Adam Boehler, President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs.

Trump has warned of severe consequences if Hamas does not release its hostages by January 20, when he takes office.

Impact of War

Triggered by a Hamas-led attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages, the war has resulted in more than 45,000 Palestinian deaths, widespread displacement, and devastation across Gaza. Mediation efforts, while gaining momentum, face a challenging path as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

END/WD/RH