The Palestinian Red Crescent Society has complained that two hospitals in the southern Gaza Strip are under siege by Israeli forces and are in danger.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Islamic organization Hamas have indicated that there is still a gap between the positions of both sides regarding negotiations for a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages, and the focus is on whether the negotiations will make any progress.
*We will keep you updated on developments regarding Israel and Palestine as of March 25, Japan time.
Hamas official: “There is still a gap between the positions of both sides”
Regarding negotiations underway in Qatar in the Middle East towards a cessation of fighting and the release of hostages, Israeli media reported, citing officials, that for every hostage Hamas would release, Israel would release one imprisoned Palestinian. We are told that we have been flexible regarding the number of participants.
In response, a senior Hamas official told Arab media on the 24th that ``Israel does not recognize a ceasefire or the return of displaced persons,'' indicating that there is still a gap between the positions of both sides, and that negotiations are not possible. The focus is on progress.
UN Secretary-General: 'Israel needs to remove obstacles'
On the 24th, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres met with President Sisi and others during his visit to Egypt. At a subsequent press conference, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, ``Israel needs to remove the remaining obstacles,'' and called on Israel to take action to allow more supplies to be brought into the Gaza Strip.
Southern Gaza Nasser and Amal hospitals 'at risk'
The Israeli military, which continues military operations across the Gaza Strip, announced on the 24th that it had captured approximately 480 militants at Shifa Hospital, the largest hospital in the area.
In response, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society posted on social media on the 24th about Nasser Hospital and Amal Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis, saying, ``The staff were unable to move and were in danger because they were surrounded by Israeli military vehicles amid intense shelling and gunfire.'' "They are being exposed to this," he said, complaining of their plight.