70 Palestinians killed in Gaza before ceasefire starts

By Nils Huenerfuerst

By Ryan Mullen

Despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal, ground fighting still rages in Gaza. Palestinian news sources report that at least 70 people have been killed in the past 24 hours. An accurate number has however proven difficult to independently verify.

US President Joe Biden has said this deal would “Halt the fighting in Gaza.” and “Reunite the hostages with their families.” Biden has also confirmed that there will be US involvement in the ceasefire and hostage exchange.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said: “Hamas reneges on parts of the agreement with the mediators and Israel to extort last-minute concessions.” and that “The Israeli cabinet will not convene until mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement.”

Image of woman at a free Palestine protest by Nikolas Gannon

Hamas itself has said that it’s committed to the ceasefire agreement, the current terms of which dictate the release of 33 prisoners. All of them being either the elderly, women or children, and that wounded people trapped in Gaza be allowed to leave for medical treatment. The exchange of hostages will be completed over the course of 42 days, per the agreement.

The Times of Israel reports that David Barnea, chief of the Mossad, remains in Qatar and that he and his negotiation team are finalising the deal.