The Israeli occupation continues its relentless aggression on Gaza for the 203rd consecutive day - with the death toll rising to 34,305 martyrs and 77,293 wounded, per the latest statistics on Thursday from the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Yesterday, The United States military began construction of a pier to boost humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip - per the Pentagon’s statements.

"I can confirm that US military vessels... have begun to construct the initial stages of the temporary pier and causeway at sea," Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder told reporters.

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) are preparing for a military operation in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip. The “Israel” Broadcasting Authority said the operation is “very soon”.

The IOF is expected to evict over a million Palestinians currently taking refuge in Rafah to the central and southern parts of the Strip.

Hebrew media said the imminent military operation in Rafah would begin with the evacuation of civilians and could last for up to 5 weeks.

During the first stage of the ground operation, civilians will be evicted from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip to “safer locations” - according to reports.

Ceasefire negotiations

Senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya stated Thursday that the movement is currently awaiting “Israel” and the mediators’ response to the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip - after Hamas submitted its stipulations at an earlier time.

Al-Hayya, in statements made to Al-Jazeera, said that the lack of progress made in the negotiations is due to “Israeli” obstinacy, adding that Hamas is “serious” about releasing the captives in a “serious” framework of negotiations and agreements.

“We do not want to keep out prisoners [here].”

“Israel” previously rejected a proposal to exchange one “Israeli” soldier for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 with life sentences - according to Al-Hayya.

Al-Hayya reiterated Hamas’ previously-stated demands in the negotiations, which are the Israeli Occupation’s complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in addition to a ceasefire.

Regarding the United States’ demands that Hamas take the “deal on the table”, Al-Hayya said that Washington’s statements were made before receiving a response regarding Hamas’ position in the negotiations from the Israeli Occupation nor Qatar.

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