International Mediation Amid Gaza Conflict

International mediators, including the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are holding talks with Israel in Qatar to negotiate a ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, amidst a deadly 10-month-old conflict that has claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives. US envoy Amos Hochstein underscored the urgency of reaching a ceasefire to prevent further escalation, particularly involving Hezbollah and Iran. The negotiations are seen as critical to averting a broader regional conflict, especially after recent high-profile killings by Israeli forces. In the West Bank, violence continues to surge, with Israeli forces killing two Palestinians. Meanwhile, Germany has faced criticism for its strong support of Israel's actions in Gaza, with calls for a more balanced approach. The German Foreign Office has called for an urgent ceasefire following an Israeli airstrike that killed dozens of civilians in a Gaza school.