Status: 01.09.2020 07:21 am

Hamas and Israel had recently attacked each other almost every day; now both parties agreed to a ceasefire. Apparently a mediator from Qatar contributed to this.

After intense mediation by Qatar, the ruling Hamas in the Gaza Strip has announced a new ceasefire with Israel. A de-escalation and a “cessation of the Zionist aggression against our people” has been agreed, announced the Gaza chief of the Islamist Hamas.

For its part, the Israeli civil administration for the occupied territories announced that it would reopen the Kerem Shalom border post, which was closed last, and allow fuel deliveries to the Gaza Strip again.

Many attacks on both sides

Tensions between Hamas and the Israeli army had recently escalated: since the beginning of August, the Israeli army has been attacking targets in the Gaza Strip almost every day, from which balloons with incendiary devices and explosive devices and, more rarely, rockets. they have been flying into Israeli territory. According to the fire department, the incendiary devices have already started more than 400 fires in southern Israel.

In response to Hamas attacks, the Israeli Navy also blocked the exit of fishermen from the Gaza Strip to the Mediterranean Sea. In addition, the only border crossing for goods was closed. The only power station in the Gaza Strip had to shut down due to a lack of fuel.

Qatar Help

According to Palestinian media reports, Qatari negotiator Mohammed al-Emadi had recently traveled back and forth between the Gaza Strip and Israel to negotiate a new ceasefire. The Qatari mediator praised the Hamas leadership for making the deals possible. Israel warned, however, that “action” would be taken if Hamas did not comply with the agreements.

About two million people in the Gaza Strip live in very poor conditions. Hamas is classified as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the EU.



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