Israel issues more war threats; Egypt, Qatar scramble to rescue deal

By Staff Reporter
Hamas officials hold talks in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, as mediators Egypt and Qatar race against time to save the fragile ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi says there are “positive signals” that three Israeli captives will be released as planned on Saturday.
Israel’s defence minister again threatens to resume war on Gaza, saying the new conflict will be of another intensity altogether and “allow the realisation of” US President Donald Trump’s “vision” to displace Palestinians there.
Gaza’s Health Ministry confirms 48,222 deaths in Israel’s war on Gaza while 111,674 people have been wounded. The Government Media Office has updated the death toll to at least 61,709 people, saying thousands missing under the rubble are now presumed dead.
At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023, attacks and more than 200 were taken captive.