Key facts
- Eight Arab and Muslim nations accuse Israel of violating the Gaza ceasefire.
- Over 1,200 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the October ceasefire.
- Israeli forces have reportedly returned to areas they had agreed to withdraw from.
- Hezbollah has offered to engage in talks with Syria regarding disarmament.
- Syria has rejected military intervention but supports Lebanese state control over weapons.
Eight Arab and Muslim countries have jointly condemned Israel for allegedly violating the Gaza ceasefire, with continued Israeli strikes on civilians and infrastructure occurring more than nine months after a U.S.-mediated truce took effect. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia issued the condemnation, citing over 1,200 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza health authorities. The nations also noted Israeli forces returning to previously agreed-upon withdrawal areas and insufficient humanitarian aid. Israel, however, contends that Hamas has violated the ceasefire by rebuilding tunnels, recruiting fighters, and rearming, refusing to complete its withdrawal until Hamas disarms. This impasse makes the second phase of the deal, involving Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal, appear unachievable. Complicating U.S. diplomatic efforts, Hezbollah has publicly offered to engage in talks with Syria for the first time regarding disarmament, potentially countering U.S. attempts to involve Damascus in disarming the group. Syria has rejected military intervention but expressed support for Lebanese state control over weapons.