The Islamic fasting month of Ramadan begins on the 11th in the Gaza Strip, but attacks by the Israeli military continued on the 10th, the day before.



Regarding negotiations regarding a cessation of fighting, it is reported that efforts by mediating countries are continuing with the aim of reaching an agreement during Ramadan, but there is still no prospect of a cessation of fighting.



*We will keep you updated on developments regarding Israel and Palestine as of March 11, Japan time.

There is no prospect of a cessation of fighting during Ramadan from the 11th.

In the Gaza Strip, Ramadan, the holiest month in which Muslims abstain from eating and drinking during the day, begins on the 11th.



Regarding negotiations between Israel and the Islamic organization Hamas, mediating countries such as Qatar and Egypt have been holding talks with both sides in an effort to reach an agreement on a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages by Ramadan, but on the 10th, the day before Ramadan. However, attacks by Israeli forces continued.



Local Palestinian media reported that at least 15 people were killed in an airstrike on tents sheltering refugees in the southern city of Khan Younis.



Negotiations regarding a cessation of fighting, etc. have been suspended since the 7th of this month, and Reuters reported on the 10th, citing sources on the Egyptian side, that Egypt is continuing to lobby both sides with the aim of reaching an agreement during Ramadan. I am told that there is.



In a statement on the 9th, Israel's intelligence agency Mossad said, ``Cooperation with mediators continues to bridge the gap between the two sides and advance an agreement.'' However, the gap between Israel and Hamas' positions regarding a complete ceasefire remains There is still no prospect of a cessation of fighting.

Residents prepare for Ramadan in Gaza Strip

Ramadan, which begins on the 11th in the Gaza Strip, is the holiest month of fasting for Muslims, during which many people refrain from eating and drinking during the day and join family and relatives after sunset for a meal called ``iftar'' to break the fast. strengthen.



Preparations for Ramadan were also underway in the Gaza Strip, where fighting continues and food shortages continue.



On the 8th, NHK visited an area lined with evacuee tents in the southern suburbs of Rafah, and found that a confectionery shop operating from a temporary tent was selling iftar sweets to help people enjoy Ramadan as normal as possible. I was busy making it.



According to the owner, the confectionery shop originally operated in Gaza City in the north, but since October last year, the factory and the employees' homes were destroyed in an attack by the Israeli army, so they evacuated to Rafah in the south. That's it.



The prices of sugar and butter are rising due to food shortages, but we managed to secure raw materials for Ramadan and spent the night making candy and baked goods so that the evacuees living in harsh conditions could enjoy iftar. It means that there is.



A girl who came to buy sweets said, ``I hope that I can fast safely during Ramadan, and that there will be a ceasefire during Ramadan.''



The owner said, ``What we want is not a temporary cessation of fighting, but rather the end of this war and the ability to live a normal life.''

Preparing to bring supplies into the Gaza Strip by sea

The U.S. government has announced plans to build a temporary wharf with a pier in the Gaza Strip to bring in supplies by sea, and says it will be able to deliver more than 2 million meals a day once operations begin. Masu.



The U.S. Central Command announced on the 9th that a ship loaded with equipment for constructing a pier departed the southern U.S. state of Virginia and was sailing toward the Eastern Mediterranean.



On the other hand, in response to European Union President von der Leyen's announcement that they will soon begin transporting supplies by sea to the Gaza Strip, the Mediterranean island nation of Cyprus has requested permission for aid group ships to leave port. I'll be waiting.



Footage taken on the 10th at the port of Larnaca in southeastern Cyprus shows a ship belonging to the Spanish NGO Open Arms preparing to transport aid supplies.



According to the NGO, the goods being transported will be unloaded using a different pier than the one built by the United States.