In the Gaza Strip, where Israeli military attacks continue, the death toll is approaching 30,000 since clashes between Israel and the Islamic organization Hamas began in October last year.
Under these circumstances, the Qatari government, which is acting as a mediator for negotiations on a cessation of hostilities, stated that no agreement had yet been reached and emphasized that it would step up its efforts.
*We will keep you updated on developments regarding Israel and Palestine as of February 28, Japan time.
29,878 people have died since the conflict began.
Israeli forces continue to carry out attacks across the Gaza Strip, and health officials in the strip announced on the 27th that 96 new people had been killed in the past 24 hours.
The death toll since clashes between Israel and Hamas began in October last year has reached 29,878, approaching 30,000.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji contributes funds to UNRWA “Discussion to restart”
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji, who visited Ramallah in the Palestinian Territories, gave an interview on the 27th and spoke about funding to UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), which supports residents of the Gaza Strip, saying, ``Through various international organizations, "We are taking steps to ensure supplies reach the Gaza Strip."
He went on to say, ``We are making preparations and are in discussions to provide assistance the moment the allegations are resolved,'' and are in talks with UNRWA to resume funding as soon as the UN investigation is complete. I explained that I was doing this.
More than 10 countries, including Japan, have suspended funding for UNRWA after some officials were suspected of being involved in the Hamas attack on Israel last October.
UNRWA Director-General Lazzarini has complained that UNRWA may face a funding shortage starting in March, which will have a serious impact on its activities, as a number of countries have suspended funding due to suspicions.
Qatar, mediating the negotiations: ``No agreement has been reached yet''
On the 26th, President Biden of the United States expressed his hope that negotiations for a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages mediated by Qatar and other countries will be concluded soon, and that a cessation of fighting will be realized by the 4th of next month, as reported by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A government official said on the 27th that ``no agreement has been reached yet.''
However, he emphasized that he would step up efforts to stop the fighting by the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, which begins around the 10th of next month.
Regarding the negotiations, Reuters reported on the 27th that fighting would cease for 40 days, Hamas would release 40 hostages, including women and the elderly, and Israel would also release about 400 Palestinians held in prison. Although Hamas received the proposal, it has been reported that there were disagreements, and it is unclear whether negotiations will be concluded quickly.