Israel Continues Gaza Strikes Amid Ceasefire Negotiations in Cairo

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued over the weekend, resulting in at least 36 fatalities, including children, according to Palestinian health officials. This escalation occurred despite U.S. President Donald Trump's call for Israel to halt its bombing campaign to facilitate peace talks with Hamas.

Negotiators from Israel, Hamas, and the United States are set to meet in Cairo to discuss the implementation of Trump's proposed plan to end the two-year conflict. The plan includes a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the formation of a transitional international government. Hamas has expressed readiness to accept parts of the proposal but has withheld complete agreement on aspects such as disarmament.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed partial redeployment of troops but emphasized continued security control in Gaza, reiterating that disarmament of Hamas is essential.

The ongoing conflict, initiated by a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, has resulted in over 67,000 Palestinian deaths and growing international pressure for peace.

In the financial sector, Tel Aviv stock markets reached all-time highs on Sunday, driven by investor optimism surrounding Trump's proposed plan to end the war in Gaza. The Tel Aviv 35 index rose 1.4% in late morning trade, while the broader TA-125 climbed 1.6%. Additionally, the Israeli shekel appreciated 0.7% against the U.S. dollar on Friday, reaching its strongest level in three years.