Hamas has announced it received “some ideas” from the United States via mediators regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza. The group expressed willingness to negotiate the release of its remaining 48 hostages in exchange for a clear end to hostilities. A Palestinian official indicated that the US plan would involve freeing the hostages within the first 48 hours of a proposed 60-day truce, in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities.
This development follows a statement from US President Donald Trump, who conveyed to Hamas that they faced a “last warning” to accept an agreement, claiming that Israel had already accepted his terms. Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, affirmed the country’s readiness to agree to a deal that would involve the release of all hostages, although concerns exist over the likelihood of Hamas agreeing to the terms.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the approximately one million residents of Gaza City to evacuate as Israeli military operations intensify. Reports indicate that recent Israeli attacks have resulted in significant casualties, with hospitals noting at least 40 deaths across Gaza in a single day.
In a statement, Hamas conveyed its openness to the US proposal, emphasizing ongoing communication with mediators to establish a comprehensive agreement that fulfills the needs of Palestinians. According to reports, the American initiative includes a commitment from the US for good-faith negotiations concerning a definitive resolution to the conflict.
The Israeli military continues its operations in Gaza, citing the destruction of military infrastructure used by Hamas. Concurrently, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened, with the UN warning of an impending famine that could extend to surrounding areas. Calls for unimpeded humanitarian access, protection for civilians, and the release of hostages have intensified. Since the escalation began following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, significant casualties have been reported on both sides, raising questions about the prospects for peace.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0rxl7jwwpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss