US Secretary of State heads to Middle East as negotiations continue for cease-fire in Gaza Strip and hostage release. In the Gaza Strip, the death toll has so far reached 27,365.
Meanwhile, negotiations are underway between Israel and Hamas toward a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages. The Israeli side, which aims to destroy the Islamic organization Hamas, has shown an uncompromising stance. Hamas has expressed its intention to seek a permanent ceasefire, and it will be interesting to see if the negotiations can lead to progress.