An Israeli negotiator team will arrive in Qatar on the 18th in preparation for negotiations between Israel and the Islamic organization Hamas regarding a cessation of hostilities, and talks are expected to resume.
Meanwhile, it has been pointed out that famine is imminent in the Gaza Strip due to severe food shortages, and the United Nations is calling for a ceasefire as soon as possible.
*We will keep you updated on developments regarding Israel and Palestine as of March 19, Japan time.
The fate of the negotiations cannot be predicted.
Israeli media reported on the 18th that a negotiating team had arrived in Qatar and that talks would resume between Israel and Hamas regarding a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages.
It also said that although Israeli negotiators had been given greater powers to free the hostages, it would take at least two weeks to negotiate indirectly with Hamas's leadership in the Gaza Strip. The outcome of the negotiations remains uncertain as there is a large gap between the claims of both sides.
Gaza Strip “famine looming” UN report
On the 18th, the United Nations and other organizations released a report regarding the Gaza Strip, which is in a dire humanitarian situation due to continued fierce fighting, stating that famine is imminent in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, and that there is a possibility of land transport to Rafah in the south in the future. He pointed out that if the fighting, including the operation, intensifies, approximately 1.1 million people, or half of the entire population of the region, will face famine.
Following the release of the report, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on the 18th: ``We must take immediate action to prevent something completely unthinkable, unacceptable and unjustifiable.'' He called for a humanitarian ceasefire as soon as possible.
US Presidential Advisor: “Israel killed Hamas number 3”
U.S. White House National Security Advisor Sullivan said on the 18th that the Israeli military, which is continuing military operations against the Islamic organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, killed Marwan Isa, deputy commander of Hamas's military wing, last week. I made it clear that I did.
Deputy Commander Isa was believed to be Hamas's number three in the Gaza Strip and was targeted by Israel.