**Palestinian Authority working with US on postwar plan for Gaza: Bloomberg**
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has resulted in significant loss of life and destruction since it began nearly two months ago, with both sides seeking to establish new initiatives to address the ongoing crisis.
To mitigate the impacts of this conflict, the Palestinian Authority is collaborating with US officials to develop a postwar plan for Gaza, according to a report by Bloomberg. The plan envisions Hamas becoming a junior partner under the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) to build a new independent state that includes the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh stated that this arrangement would allow for political unity among Palestinians and create an environment for meaningful discussions.
The conflict has taken a severe toll on civilians, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressing concerns about the high number of civilian casualties. Blinken emphasized the need for Israel to prioritize civilian protection and address the gap between their intentions and the actual results on the ground. He also urged Israel to separate the civilian population from Hamas, including through the establishment of safe corridors.
Meanwhile, Israel has reported 92 soldiers killed in Gaza since the ground war began on October 20. The conflict persists, with more fatalities reported on both sides, prompting Arab states and the United Arab Emirates to call for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. However, the US and Israel have opposed such action, citing concerns that it would benefit Hamas.
In an effort to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Israel has agreed to a U.S. request to open the Kerem Shalom border crossing for the inspection of trucks and their cargo. The crossing is crucial for providing essential supplies to Gaza, and efforts to expedite the inspection process have been underway.
At the same time, the United States has not imposed a firm deadline for Israel to end major combat operations against Hamas, as legitimate military targets still exist in the area. Despite ongoing tensions, the hope for progress continues, as efforts to address the crisis in Gaza persist.
Amid these developments, concern for the hostages held by Hamas remains, with families enduring emotional distress during the ongoing conflict. The situation signifies the urgent need for a resolution as the conflict enters a critical phase.
By Bassam Masoud in Gaza, Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem, Humeyra Pamuk and Simon Lewis in Washington; Ahmed Mohamed Hassan in Cairo, Michelle Nichols at the United Nations, and Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber in Geneva