Daijiworld Media Network- Gaza
Gaza, May 16: Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 103 people on Thursday, according to Palestinian civil authorities. The escalation comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts by the United States and Arab mediators to negotiate a ceasefire in the long-standing conflict.
The surge in Israeli airstrikes coincides with US President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to key Gulf nations — Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates — which many Palestinians had hoped would bring renewed momentum toward peace talks and a truce.
Hamas has expressed willingness to release all remaining hostages it holds in Gaza in exchange for an immediate end to the conflict. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on interim ceasefires only, emphasizing that the war will conclude only once Hamas is completely dismantled.
During the final leg of his Gulf tour in Qatar, President Trump visited a US military base central to American operations in the region and addressed US troops stationed there. He called on Qatari officials to leverage their influence to bring Iran to the negotiating table, aiming to secure an agreement to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme.
“We cannot allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. That’s the only thing. It’s very simple,” Trump stated, warning of a possible “violent step” if diplomatic efforts fail to produce a deal.
As tensions remain high, the international community continues to urge restraint and dialogue in hopes of averting further bloodshed.