MIDDLE EAST 7 HOURS AGO Live blog: Biden and Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal

MIDDLE EAST
7 HOURS AGO
Live blog: Biden and Netanyahu to discuss Gaza ceasefire, hostage deal
Israel’s war on Gaza, now in its 288th day, has killed at least 38,848 Palestinians — the majority of them women and children –– and wounded 89,459 others, with 10,000+ estimated to be buried under the debris and 9,500+ abducted by Tel Aviv.

Palestinians hold funeral prayers for the victims in front of al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after the Israeli army attacked Abu Shakya family in Nuseirat camp in Deir al-Balah / Photo: AA
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Palestinians hold funeral prayers for the victims in front of al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital after the Israeli army attacked Abu Shakya family in Nuseirat camp in Deir al-Balah / Photo: AA

Saturday, July 20, 2024

2051 GMT — White House National Security Council Adviser Jake Sullivan has said President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will discuss ways to reach a deal on a ceasefire in besieged Gaza and the return of hostages during their meeting.

“Overriding focus of the meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu is going to be about the ceasefire and hostage deal,” Sullivan told Aspen Security Forum in Colorado.

He said Biden will focus his energy with Netanyahu to “get this deal done in the coming weeks.”

More updates

2248 GMT — Israeli army kills Palestinian teen in southern West Bank

The Israeli army has killed a Palestinian teen in the southern occupied West Bank. Palestine TV said Ibrahim Zaqeeq, 19, was shot in his head by Israeli forces in Beit Ummar.

It said Zaqeeq was released from Israeli jail two weeks ago and is the only son in his family.

Witnesses told Anadolu Agency that an Israeli force raided Beit Ummar and opened fire on Palestinians, seriously wounding Zaqeeq and others who suffered asphyxiation from teargas.

2125 GMT — Protests erupt in Tunisia, Morocco against Israeli carnage in Gaza

Demonstrations against Israel’s attacks on besieged Gaza took place in Tunisia and Morocco, drawing thousands of protesters.

In the Tunisian capital of Tunis, protesters gathered on Habib Bourguiba Avenue for a Solidarity with Palestine march.

Demonstrators carrying Palestinian and Tunisian flags chanted slogans such as “Freedom for Palestine” and “Hypocritical world has set Gaza and Palestine on fire.”

Similar demonstrations were held in cities across Morocco, including Rabat, Fez, Meknes, Tangier, Kenitra, Nador, Ahfir, Taroudant and Agadir.

Thousands took part to demand that Israel stop its attacks on Gaza and allow humanitarian aid into the enclave.

For our live updates from Friday, July 19, 2024, click here.

SOURCE: TRTWORLD AND AGENCIES