Live Blog Update| Israel's genocide in Gaza
This is an entry from: Gaza live: Biden moves ahead with military aid for Israel as it launches ground assaults on Rafah

Morning update

5 May 2024 09:38 BST

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, 

It's just after 11:30 am in Palestine and Israel (8:30 GMT). Here are the latest developments from Israel's war on Gaza, now in its 212th day:

  • Israeli forces killed at least two Palestinians and wounded others on Sunday morning across the Gaza Strip. According to Wafa news agency, artillery shelling was reported in eastern Gaza City, air strikes pummelled Rafah and the strip's central areas while the Israeli navy opened fire at fishermen along the coast. 

  • Ceasefire talks are continuing on Sunday as Palestinian negotiators hold direct and indirect discussions in Cairo with Egyptian, Qatari and American mediators. CNN, citing Israeli and American sources, said some progress was made "on the technical aspects" but any agreement on a potential deal would take days before it's finalised.  

  • Amid reports on Hebrew media that Israel would not accept a permanent ceasefire as part of the deal, a senior Hamas official insisted the group would "not agree under any circumstances" to a deal that did not explicitly include a complete end to the war, according to AFP.

  • Meanwhile, in Israel, pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An umbrella group for the captives' families criticised the premier after it was alleged that he briefed reporters against a ceasefire deal, calling on him to "disregard all political pressure" and secure an agreement.