Negotiations between Israel and Hamas to obtain a truce before Ramadan have failed. Bombings continue in the Gaza Strip.
In East Jerusalem, on the mosque esplanade, only a few people were present on Sunday, the eve of Ramadan. This year, no decorations or special festivities. Access restrictions to the mosque esplanade have nevertheless been lifted.
But the Israeli authorities, who are on alert, are increasing checks around the al-Aqsa mosque, the third holiest site in Islam.
It is in this tense climate that Benny Gantz, minister of the Israeli war cabinet, published a message of appeasement on Sunday.
“Israel is engaged in a serious battle these days, which began with the murderous attack by Hamas terrorists against all citizens of Israel, including Muslims. Our war is not against Islam, but against those who undermine the values of Islam. Against those who commit crimes against humanity and seek to destroy Israeli society and our common future“, did he declare.
In the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army continues its operations. On Sunday, the IDF carried out more than 60 air raids which, according to Hamas, left at least 85 dead in the center and south of the territory, notably in Khan Younes.
While hopes of a truce for Ramadan fade, residents remain worried about a large-scale offensive in the city of Rafah, where more than a million and a half Palestinians have taken refuge fled the fighting north of the enclave.
Since October 7, the death toll in the Palestinian enclave is more than 31,000 dead, according to Hamas. The UN has warned of “widespread, almost inevitable famine” according to her.