On January 12, the Israeli army issued a new evacuation order in the Nuseirat area in the central Gaza Strip to conduct air strikes. According to the sheet The Jerusalem Postthe evacuation order was given after armed organizations launched rockets from the above area towards Israeli forces.
Israeli protesters call for an end to fighting in the Gaza Strip
The fighting took place while the sides continued negotiations in Qatar on an agreement to end hostilities in the Gaza Strip and release Israeli hostages still being held there. According to the page Axiosthere are about 98 hostages being held in the Gaza Strip, including 7 Americans. About half of the hostages are believed to be alive.
The ceasefire is very close, Israel continues to attack Gaza
US President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is constantly moving between Qatar and Israel to find an agreement before Mr. Trump’s inauguration day (January 20). Mr. Witkoff met Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel on January 11 and repeatedly emphasized the goal of reaching an agreement by January 20. After the meeting, Mr. Netanyahu ordered a high-level delegation including the leaders of the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies to come to Qatar to promote dialogue. Mr. Witkoff is also said to have returned to Qatar.
An Israeli official revealed that there has been some progress in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, another senior Israeli official said the gap between the sides was narrowing and a deal was very close. The families of the hostages welcomed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision and called it a “historic opportunity”.
