Agreement demands liberation of all kidnapped individuals
In the heart of Gaza City, resident Hussein al-Dairi paints a grim picture of the current situation, describing tanks firing shells and mortars, drones raining bullets and missiles in the neighborhood. The situation is described as "very dangerous and unbearable" due to intermittent artillery shelling.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has a complex history. In early 2025, a detailed truce proposal was agreed upon, involving phased hostage releases, a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a multi-year reconstruction plan. This agreement, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, was accepted by Hamas in May 2024, supported by the UN Security Council in June 2024, and formally agreed upon by both parties in January 2025.
However, the ceasefire ultimately collapsed due to mutual violations and Israel’s incomplete withdrawal. As of now, there is no active accepted truce or final resolution. The Israeli military is currently operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities, taking precautions to minimize civilian harm, but specific troop movements remain undisclosed.
Hamas has recently accepted a new truce proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The proposal includes an initial 60-day truce, a partial hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners, and provisions allowing for the entry of aid. The Israeli government has called for the release of all hostages in any future Gaza deal.
As of the current situation, 49 hostages are still being held captive in Gaza, with 27 of them reported dead by the Israeli military. The situation is further complicated by media restrictions and access difficulties in Gaza, making it challenging to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military.
The new truce proposal has been announced after Israel's security cabinet approved plans for an offensive on Gaza City, causing concerns about worsening the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has expressed a willingness to accept an agreement that involves the release of all hostages according to Israel's conditions for ending the war.
However, the past actions of Netanyahu have cast doubt on the outcome of the negotiations. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi has stated that Hamas has opened the door wide to the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the outcome remains uncertain.
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated in Tel Aviv on Sunday, calling for an end to the war and the release of the remaining hostages. On Tuesday, the Gaza civil defence agency reported 31 deaths due to Israeli strikes and fire across the territory.
The two foes have held on-and-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, they have ultimately failed to broker a lasting ceasefire.
Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has criticized the plan, warning of potential tragedy if Netanyahu agrees to Hamas's terms. Netanyahu is currently under mounting pressure at home and abroad to end the war.
The international community is closely watching the developments in Gaza, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. The fate of the hostages and the people of Gaza hang in the balance.
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