Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Monday with U.S. envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, a day after escalating violence threatened to derail the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation is holding talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo to discuss the upcoming Palestinian dialogue initiative, which Egypt aims to host to address Gaza’s future post-war.
Red Cross to Receive Another Israeli Hostage Body (Israeli Army)
The Israeli military announced Monday evening that the International Committee of the Red Cross was en route to collect the body of another hostage in southern Gaza, the 13th to be handed over since the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel came into effect.
A military statement read: “According to available information, the Red Cross is on its way to the meeting point in southern Gaza, where the remains of one of the deceased hostages will be handed over.”
Four Palestinians Killed by Israeli Fire in Eastern Gaza City (Civil Defense)
Gaza’s civil defense confirmed that four Palestinians were killed on Monday by Israeli gunfire in eastern Gaza City. The Israeli army claimed its troops fired on militants approaching their positions.
Mahaoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s civil defense, told AFP: “Four martyrs fell today and one person was critically wounded after Israeli occupation forces opened fire on citizens inspecting their homes in the Al-Shujaiya area, east of Gaza City.”
UN Expresses Concern Over Renewed Violence in Gaza
The United Nations expressed concern Monday over the renewed violence in Gaza and urged “all parties to fully adhere to their obligations,” according to UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Israeli airstrikes on Sunday reportedly killed at least 45 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s civil defense, threatening the ceasefire that has been in effect since October 10.
Trump Threatens to “Eliminate Hamas” if Ceasefire is Violated
Speaking to reporters, former U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he would give Hamas “a small chance” to uphold the ceasefire agreement but warned of severe consequences if the group violated it.
“We’ve reached an agreement with Hamas that ensures very good behavior. If they don’t comply, we will eliminate them. And if necessary, it will be done,” Trump said.
Netanyahu: Israel Dropped 153 Tons of Bombs on Gaza on Sunday
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Knesset on Monday that Israel dropped 153 tons of bombs on Gaza during Sunday’s retaliatory strikes.
“Yesterday, we dropped 153 tons of bombs on various areas of Gaza following the killing of two of our soldiers by Hamas,” Netanyahu stated during the opening session of the winter parliamentary term.
Hamas Delegation in Cairo for Intra-Palestinian Dialogue Talks (Source)
A Hamas delegation has arrived in Cairo to discuss the planned Palestinian dialogue, which Egypt intends to host soon. The talks aim to explore post-war governance in Gaza, a source told AFP on Monday.
The source said that Hamas will be holding meetings over the next two days with Egyptian officials focused on the intra-Palestinian reconciliation dialogue.
“The dialogue aims to unify the Palestinian political body and discuss major issues, including the future of the Gaza Strip and the formation of an independent technocratic committee to manage the territory,” the source added, noting that Hamas has pledged to enable this committee’s work.
Al-Qassam Brigades to Deliver Hostage Body by 8 PM (5 PM GMT)
The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, announced that it intends to hand over the body of an Israeli hostage by 8:00 p.m. local time (17:00 GMT) on Monday, after recovering the remains on Sunday.
