Anticipates Closely-Bonded Ceasefire in Gaza under Trump's Assessment
Ceasefire in Gaza Stalemated as Hamas Hesitates Over US Proposal
The United States has put forth a ceasefire plan for Gaza, which Israel appears to have agreed to. However, Hamas remains undecided, sparking concerns of a potential escalation.
Speaking at the White House during the departure of advisor Elon Musk, President Donald Trump suggested that a ceasefire in Gaza could be imminent, stating, "They are on the verge of an agreement over Gaza." More details on the plan are expected soon.
Israel reportedly agreed to the new ceasefire proposal presented by Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday. However, Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, has rejected the offer, claiming it fails to meet their demands.
Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, urged Hamas not to accept the US proposal, emphasizing that the Israeli army would continue its operations in Gaza with "full force." He warned Hamas that it must choose: either accept the terms of the proposed deal for the release of hostages or face destruction.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a food warehouse in a field hospital in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, was looted. Armed individuals stormed the warehouse, making off with medical equipment, food supplies, medicine, and nutritional supplements for undernourished children. This looting appeared to be more organized than similar incidents in the past, according to a spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, over 1,210 people were reportedly killed, and 251 taken hostage in the Gaza Strip[1]. The Hamas-controlled Health Ministry reported over 54,000 deaths in Gaza so far, a claim that cannot be independently verified[1].
The situation remains tense, with ongoing military actions and divergent positions on the terms of a lasting ceasefire. Israel is pushing for the release of hostages and restricting Hamas's military capabilities, while Hamas continues to demand a permanent ceasefire, full withdrawal of Israeli forces, and continuous humanitarian aid[2][3].
[1] Source: ntv.de, mau/AFP[2] Source: Various Reports[3] Source: Hamas-led Civil Defense Authority
- Amidst the stalemate in the Gaza ceasefire, the European Union's Commission has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers, particularly those in journalism, from the risks arising from covering war-and-conflicts, such as the one in Gaza, given the growing threats and politically charged environment.
- As the politics of the Gaza ceasefire weigh heavily upon the region, general news outlets are reporting increased interest in international diplomacy, with focus on potential disengagement from conflict zones, fostering long-term peace, and improving global humanitarian efforts amidst mounting tensions.
