Recent rocket attacks from Yemen have prompted air alerts throughout Israel, coinciding with protests over potential agreements with Hamas. Political tensions rise as far-right officials threaten to withdraw support from Prime Minister Netanyahu if a hostage deal is made. Casualties have occurred in Gaza due to Israeli airstrikes, while discussions for a ceasefire are ongoing, drawing mixed reactions domestically. Pope Francis has condemned the violence and called for peace, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Rocket Attacks and Protests in Israel
Recent reports indicate that a rocket launched from Yemen has triggered air alerts across Israel during the night. This event comes amid ongoing protests in Israel, where citizens are divided over the potential for an agreement with Hamas.
Political Tensions Over Hostage Negotiations
Far-right Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has made headlines by threatening to withdraw from the government if a hostage agreement with Hamas is reached. He took to the social media platform X, urging fellow far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposing what he described as a “terrible deal.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s current coalition holds a slim majority with 68 seats in the 120-seat parliament. The loss of support from Ben-Gvir and Smotrich could jeopardize this majority. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has indicated a willingness to provide Netanyahu with parliamentary support for a hostage agreement.
ARD correspondent Vera Rudolph expressed that reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages would represent a significant breakthrough. She emphasized that such an agreement would inspire hope not only for the hostages and their families but also for the residents of the Gaza Strip.
Casualties and Air Alerts in Gaza
In the Gaza Strip, Palestinian sources report that at least 18 individuals have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes overnight. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital confirmed that two women and their four children, aged between one month and nine years, were among the casualties in Deir al-Balah. Additionally, twelve fatalities were reported in Khan Younis following separate attacks.
On the Israeli front, the military confirmed that two rocket attacks from Yemen occurred within hours of each other. While one rocket was likely intercepted, eleven individuals sustained injuries while seeking shelter, and four suffered from panic attacks, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service.
International Perspectives on a Ceasefire
Former US President Donald Trump has suggested that a ceasefire agreement could be finalized by the end of the week, highlighting a handshake deal that may be in the works. Current President Joe Biden has also expressed optimism, stating that a proposal for peace is nearing realization. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan mentioned that an agreement could materialize this week, although he refrained from making promises.
In Israel, reactions to the potential for a ceasefire have been polarized. Approximately 1,000 protesters gathered in Jerusalem, opposing any deal with Hamas while voicing their belief that the government lacks the mandate to concede to the group. Conversely, supporters of a deal rallied in Tel Aviv, emphasizing the need for the release of hostages.
Pope Francis’ Stance on the Conflict
Pope Francis has strongly condemned the Hamas attack on Israel from October 7, 2023, in his newly released autobiography, “Hope.” He described the event as the beginning of a “new barbarism,” which led to significant suffering for both Israelis and Palestinians. The Pope has continuously called for peace and the improvement of humanitarian conditions in Gaza while urging for the release of hostages.
Key Points in Ongoing Negotiations
According to Reuters, mediators from Qatar have presented a draft agreement intended to halt hostilities and facilitate the release of hostages to both Israel and Hamas. The details of this agreement have yet to be confirmed by official sources.
For further updates, yesterday’s developments in the Middle East can be explored in our live blog.