Palestinian factions and Israeli military reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Israel forces and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza have reached a ceasefire agreement following a night of intense Israeli air strikes on the besieged coastal enclave. The strikes were met with rockets launched towards Israel, which came after the death of Khader Adnan, a prominent Palestinian hunger striker who was being held in prison.
Ceasefire Takes Effect in the Early Hours, Brokered by Egyptian, Qatari, and UN Officials
Fighting Ceases as Dawn Breaks: Islamic Jihad Spokesman Confirms
Hamas has reportedly entered into discussions with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations in an effort to bring an end to what the group refers to as Israeli “aggression on Gaza.” This statement was released by Hamas on Wednesday.
Hamas Leader Holds Talks to End Israel’s Attacks on Gaza Following Death of Palestinian Prisoner on Hunger Strike
According to a source from Palestine, as reported by Networkustad Arabic, a ceasefire has been reached as multiple parties engaged in discussions to prevent the Israel assault on Gaza from intensifying. According to Networkustad Arabic, Hamas has commended the Palestinian armed groups for their collective response to Adnan’s demise.
Gaza Factions Issue Joint Statement, Citing Rocket Fire as “Initial Response” to Adnan’s Death
Israel Military Reports 30 Rockets Fired from Gaza. Rocket strikes hit the Israeli city of Sderot located to the east of Gaza. Three individuals were reportedly injured by shrapnel in the Sderot region, as per the Magen David Adom emergency service in Israel.
Israeli Air Raids Strike Gaza, One of the World’s Most Densely-Populated Areas
Gaza Resident and Journalist, Issam Adwan, has reported to Networkustad that he heard multiple explosions near his residence. Adwan has denied the Israeli forces’ allegations that they solely targeted military locations and not civilians.
According to Adwan, there has been a notable surge in Israeli airstrikes on heavily populated regions, despite Israeli authorities’ assertions that they are only targeting Hamas military installations.
The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has called on Israel to cease any “unilateral measures” that could escalate tensions and potentially undermine the prospect of a fair and lasting peace based on the two-state solution. Borrell made the plea during a meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen in Brussels, according to a statement from the EU’s foreign service.
Hebron Shops Observe General Strike to Mourn Adnan’s Death in West Bank City. Protesters clashed with Israel soldiers as they burned tyres and threw stones, prompting the soldiers to respond with tear gas and rubber bullets. No injuries were reported.
Palestinian Adnan has been arrested a total of 12 times and has served nearly eight years in Israeli prisons. The majority of his time was spent under the Israeli authorities’ “administrative detention,” a policy that allows for the imprisonment of Palestinians without trial or charges for renewable six-month periods.
Adnan, who has been held without charges by Israeli forces, has conducted a minimum of three hunger strikes since 2011 to protest his detention.
Israeli Authorities Accused of Withholding Medical Care for Adnan by Lawyer and Human Rights Group Doctor
Advocates call for transfer of patient to civilian hospital for better monitoring. “Demands met with intransigence and rejection,” says Al-Khatib to Reuters.
Jenin Resident Adnan, aged 45, was a father of nine and worked as a baker in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
International human rights lawyer and co-founder of the Palestinian rights group Al-Haq, Jonathan Kuttab, has praised Adnan, stating that he is an exemplary figure whose willpower could not be broken by Israeli forces.
According to Networkustad, Kuttab stated that the individual had no means of resistance except for a non-violent response, stating “I refuse to eat until you kill me.”
Israeli authorities are accused of attempting to subjugate millions of Palestinians and crush their spirit, according to a recent statement. The speaker claimed that the Israelis are actively working to undermine the Palestinians’ resolve and determination.
Adnan has been placed under administrative detention. “Administrative Detention Unprecedented Even Under Apartheid Regime,” Says Source.
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