Egyptian efforts for Gaza cease-fire stall

GAZA CITY, Palestine

Egyptian efforts to broker a cease-fire deal between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza have stalled, according to a Palestinian source on Wednesday.

“The truce talks have stalled as factions insist on obligating Israel to halt its assassination policy,” the source told Anadolu on condition of anonymity because he was unauthorized to speak to the media.

The source, however, said efforts to reach a deal are still continuing by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations.

At least 21 Palestinians were killed and 64 others injured in a series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to the Health Ministry. Three leaders of Islamic Jihad group, their wives and children were among those killed in the attacks.

The Israeli army said its airstrikes on Gaza were part of its Operation Shield and Arrow in response to rocket fire from Gaza following the death of a Palestinian hunger striker in an Israeli prison last week.

Palestinian factions in Gaza retaliated against the attacks with firing volleys of rockets into Israel.

According to Palestinian figures, at least 130 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the start of this year. Nineteen Israelis have also been killed in separate attacks during the same period.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar