The Palestinian group Hamas has signaled support for a new ceasefire that could lead to the release of five hostages in exchange for a 50-day truce. As Israeli strikes continue in Gaza, both parties engage in negotiations, while concerns for hostage safety rise.
Negotiations for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resurface Amid Ongoing Strikes
Negotiations for Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Resurface Amid Ongoing Strikes
A fragile truce proposal emerges as both sides reassess their positions amidst escalating violence in Gaza.
The southern Gaza strip has faced intense Israeli air strikes in the days leading up to renewed negotiations for a ceasefire. The Palestinian militant group Hamas has announced its backing for a new agreement that would see five hostages released to Israel in return for a proposed 50-day truce. Khalil al-Hayyam, a prominent Hamas leader operating outside Gaza, disclosed that the organization has approved the ceasefire draft submitted by mediators from Egypt and Qatar.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office acknowledged receiving the proposal and mentioned a counter-offer was conveyed to the mediators in collaboration with US officials, according to AFP news agency. If an agreement is reached, it might coincide with the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, adding an element of urgency to the discussions.
As negotiations take place, Israeli forces continue their military offensives in Gaza, including a ground operation in the city of Rafah, following the collapse of a previous ceasefire negotiated in January. Under that agreement, Hamas had released 33 hostages, yet around 59 are still believed to be held captive by the group, although the fate of several remains uncertain. Initially, Hamas insisted on adhering to the initial terms, which involved the complete release of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli troops as part of a second phase of negotiations that never materialized.
Contrarily, Israel and the US suggested extending the previous ceasefire without a clear commitment to end the conflict. HMS's claims indicate that Israeli airstrikes since March 18 have resulted in significant casualties, with over 900 reported killed in Gaza, as confirmed by the Hamas-run health ministry. In response to the ongoing violence, Netanyahu's office, while communicating a counterproposal, has remained tight-lipped about specific details.
Protesters within Israel have voiced significant concerns over the government's decisions, arguing that the ongoing military operations jeopardize the well-being of the remaining hostages. A recent video emerged showing one of the hostages, Elkana Bohbot, pleading for his freedom in distressing conditions.
This conflict escalated following a brazen attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and leading to the abduction of 251 individuals into Gaza. In retaliation, Israel launched a massive military campaign that has claimed the lives of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry reporting.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office acknowledged receiving the proposal and mentioned a counter-offer was conveyed to the mediators in collaboration with US officials, according to AFP news agency. If an agreement is reached, it might coincide with the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, adding an element of urgency to the discussions.
As negotiations take place, Israeli forces continue their military offensives in Gaza, including a ground operation in the city of Rafah, following the collapse of a previous ceasefire negotiated in January. Under that agreement, Hamas had released 33 hostages, yet around 59 are still believed to be held captive by the group, although the fate of several remains uncertain. Initially, Hamas insisted on adhering to the initial terms, which involved the complete release of hostages and withdrawal of Israeli troops as part of a second phase of negotiations that never materialized.
Contrarily, Israel and the US suggested extending the previous ceasefire without a clear commitment to end the conflict. HMS's claims indicate that Israeli airstrikes since March 18 have resulted in significant casualties, with over 900 reported killed in Gaza, as confirmed by the Hamas-run health ministry. In response to the ongoing violence, Netanyahu's office, while communicating a counterproposal, has remained tight-lipped about specific details.
Protesters within Israel have voiced significant concerns over the government's decisions, arguing that the ongoing military operations jeopardize the well-being of the remaining hostages. A recent video emerged showing one of the hostages, Elkana Bohbot, pleading for his freedom in distressing conditions.
This conflict escalated following a brazen attack by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and leading to the abduction of 251 individuals into Gaza. In retaliation, Israel launched a massive military campaign that has claimed the lives of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry reporting.
