Washington, which argued the resolution would have imperilled ongoing efforts to free hostages, sent top White House official Brett McGurk to Cairo for renewed talks involving mediators and Hamas. Particular concern has centred on Gaza's far-southern Rafah area, where 1.4 million people now live in crowded shelters and makeshift tents, fearing attack by nearby Israeli ground troops. Hamas also took about 250 hostages, many of whom were released during a week-long truce in late November. Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was already in Cairo for talks, the militant group said — days after mediators warned that prospects for a truce had dimmed despite repeated talks. As the bloodiest ever Gaza war has continued into a fifth month, Israel has faced a growing international chorus of criticism.

Source: The Hindu February 22, 2024 00:34 UTC