Jerusalem, August 17: The Israeli army's fighting in the Gaza Strip has ended, state media reported. Citing senior security officials, Israel's-state owned Kan TV news said that Israel can return and re-enter Gaza "when there is new intelligence," but in general the Israeli military's activity in the Palestinian enclave is over. According to the channel, the Israeli army told the decision-makers that the Rafah Brigade of Hamas had been defeated and that it practically did not exist. ‘Cut Off Your Hair’: Girls in Gaza Advised To Trim Hair Due to Lack of Combs, Soaps and Other Hygiene Products Amidst Ongoing Israel-Hamas War.

It added that these things were said at the political level during the security situation assessment discussions in the last few days, Xinhua news agency reported. Israeli senior Defence officials also told the political echelon that this is the time to start a hostage deal when most of the fighting units of Hamas are disbanded, Kan TV noted. The channel also reported that the Israeli delegation that participated in the negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza on Friday did not arrive in Qatar by flight for fear of an Iranian attack. US Secretary of State Blinken to Embark on Israel Visit Today, Push for Gaza Ceasefire.

The delegation landed in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and proceeded to Doha, not by flight. A joint statement from the US, Egypt, and Qatar released on Friday said that "over the last 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators aiming to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and detainees".

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2024 09:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).