SHARM EL-SHEIKH: Israeli tanks, boats and jets pounded parts of Gaza on Tuesday, giving Palestinians no respite on the anniversary of the two years of war and underlining the challenges at talks on Donald Trump's plan to halt the conflict. With no ceasefire in place, residents said Israel pressed on with its offensive, after Hamas and Israel began indirect negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt on key issues such as Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas' disarmament.
Residents in Khan Younis in southern Gaza and Gaza City in the north reported heavy bombing from tanks and planes in the early hours on Tuesday. Israeli forces pounded several districts from the air, sea and ground, they said.
Israel and Hamas have endorsed the overall principles behind Trump's plan, under which fighting would cease, hostages would go free and aid would pour into Gaza. It also has backing from Arab and Western states. Trump has called for negotiations to take place swiftly towards a final agreement. Even if a deal is clinched during talks in Egypt, questions will linger over who will rule Gaza and rebuild it. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas. — Reuters
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