Move underway for Gaza truce

Says a member of Israel's War Cabinet

FE Team | Published: February 22, 2024 21:23:33

JERUSALEM, Feb 22 (AP/AFP): New attempts are underway to reach a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas that could pause the war in Gaza, a member of Israel's War Cabinet said late Wednesday.
"Initial signs indicate a possibility of moving forward," said Benny Gantz, a former military chief and defense minister. It's the first Israeli indication of renewed cease-fire talks since negotiations stalled a week ago.
However, Gantz repeated his pledge that unless Hamas agrees to release the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, Israel will launch a ground offensive into the crowded southern city of Rafah during the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Israel's war in Gaza has driven some 80% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes. Most heeded Israeli orders to flee south and around 1.5 million are packed into Rafah near the border with Egypt.
Israeli strikes across Gaza killed at least 67 Palestinians overnight and into Wednesday, including in areas where civilians have been told to seek refuge.
The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostage. About a fourth of some 130 captives still being held are believed to be dead. Israel has laid waste to much of the Palestinian territory in response. Gaza's Health Ministry estimates more than 29,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Chaos in British Commons
over Gaza motion
Britain's House of Commons descended into chaos on Wednesday over a motion calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The chamber was due to debate and vote on a motion for an "immediate ceasefire" in Gaza by the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Instead, in an unusual move, speaker Lindsay Hoyle allowed a vote on a motion for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in Gaza by the main opposition Labour Party.
This sparked fury and shouts from the ruling Conservatives and the SNP.
SNP head in the Commons, Stephen Flynn, branded the move as "complete and utter contempt" of his party.
Faced with the outrage, Hoyle apologised, saying he had only intended to allow a wider debate on the issue.
The motion was not officially voted on, after the government said it would not participate in protest.
Political passions are running high in Britain ahead of a general election due this year.