Netanyahu drops key concession in Gaza ceasefire talks – CNN

Israel has reportedly walked back from allowing unrestricted access for Palestinians in Gaza to go to the north of the enclave

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dropped one of the key concessions in ceasefire negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, refusing unrestricted access to the northern part of Gaza, CNN reported on Saturday, citing sources.

Now the Israeli PM wants armed individuals to be barred from returning to northern Gaza when the potential ceasefire kicks in. Previously, Israel agreed to allow unrestricted access to the northern part of the enclave, but now it wants the provision reversed for any kind of ceasefire or hostage deal with the group.

The new demand could jeopardize the negotiations, which have been dragging on for months and have so far failed to yield any result.

The development comes as Israel conducted a major airstrike in southern Gaza, with at least 70 killed and nearly 300 injured, according to local health authorities.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed it had targeted the top leadership of Hamas, including the head of its military wing, Mohammed Deif. The militant group disputes the claims, insisting West Jerusalem was merely trying to “cover up” its latest “horrific massacre.”

The conflict in Gaza broke out after the October 7 attack on southern Israel, launched by Hamas, which claimed the lives of around 1,200 Israelis, while more than 200 were taken hostage.

West Jerusalem responded with ground operations and heavy bombardment of the enclave, with the hostility claiming the lives of over 38,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza Health Ministry estimates.