Israeli ground and air operations in Gaza show no signs of slowing down, even as peace negotiators gather in Egypt in a renewed attempt to end the nearly two-year-long conflict that has claimed over 67,000 lives.
The latest round of peace talks is set to begin on Monday with representatives from Hamas, Israel, and the United States currently in Cairo. Global protests against the ongoing Israeli offensive have intensified, with calls for an immediate ceasefire and condemnation of civilian casualties.
Despite US President Donald Trump’s push for a 20-point peace plan, Israeli forces continue their assault, drawing international criticism. According to reports from Al Jazeera, BBC, and CNN, dozens of Palestinian civilians are being killed daily in the strikes.
On Sunday alone, Israeli attacks reportedly killed at least 16 Palestinians, including two humanitarian aid workers. One person also died due to forced starvation, according to the Gaza health ministry.
An Israeli government spokesperson confirmed that no ceasefire is currently in place, stating that military operations will continue. Echoing this position, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC that the war is far from over.
“We will know very quickly whether Hamas is serious or not by how these technical talks go in terms of logistics,” Rubio said. In a separate interview with CBS News, he added: “I think the Israelis, and everyone acknowledge you can’t release hostages in the middle of strikes, so the strikes will have to stop.”
Global protests intensify
Pro-Palestinian protests erupted around the world over the weekend, with demonstrators denouncing what many have described as atrocities committed by Israel. Marches were held in several European cities and other parts of the world, with participants waving Palestinian flags and holding signs and posters condemning the Israeli offensive.
In London, police arrested around 500 protesters as demonstrations escalated. The British government urged demonstrators to call of protest. A Jewish protester, Tony Booth, said, “I ask every Jew, non-Jew—everybody—to open their hearts to what is happening in Gaza, which by any estimation is genocide.”
In Dublin, protesters held placards showing the image of the Israeli Prime Minister alongside the phrase “Wanted for Genocide.”
In the Netherlands, public sentiment is increasingly critical of Israel. A recent survey found Dutch citizens overwhelmingly negative about Israeli actions, though this shift in public opinion has yet to be reflected in official government policy. In August, the Dutch foreign minister resigned amid controversy after other cabinet members refused to impose sanctions on Israel.
Sports world stands in solidarity
Athletic Bilbao, a Spanish football club, expressed its support for Palestine by organizing a solidarity event at its San Mamés stadium on Saturday ahead of their La Liga match against Real Mallorca.
Greta Thunberg tortured
Reports have emerged of alleged mistreatment of Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and others by Israeli forces during a recent humanitarian flotilla effort, dubbed the “Global Sumud Flotilla.”
Turkish journalist Ersin Çelik, who was aboard one of the vessels, claimed that Thunberg was “tortured,” “dragged on the ground,” and “forced to kiss the Israeli flag.”
