The Israel-Hamas conflict continues to escalate as negotiations for the release of hostages are underway, and Israeli forces prepare for a potential invasion of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed increasing humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza and plans for a military operation in Rafah.
On April 29, a devastating Israeli airstrike in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, with six others injured. The death toll in Gaza now stands at 34,488 killed and 77,643 injured, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Saudi Arabia, called for a cease-fire as the most effective way to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He emphasized the need for Israel to take concrete steps to alleviate civilian suffering and ensure the safety of aid workers in Gaza.
In a joint humanitarian assistance operation, the United States Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force airdropped food supplies into Northern Gaza, providing essential aid to the region. To date, the U.S. has delivered nearly 1,110 tons of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Meanwhile, Hamas is sending a delegation to Cairo for negotiations on a potential hostage and cease-fire deal. A senior Hamas official expressed positivity towards the proposed deal, indicating a willingness to engage in negotiations unless new obstacles arise from the Israeli side.
The situation in Gaza remains tense as efforts to secure the release of hostages and establish a cease-fire continue amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.