Attempts to establish a truce in the ongoing conflict in Gaza
The Israel-Gaza conflict continues to escalate, with the latest developments centred around a new US-backed ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The proposal, accepted in principle by Hamas on August 19, 2025, aims to bring a 60-day pause in fighting, partial Israeli troop withdrawal, expanded humanitarian aid deliveries, and a negotiated exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
The proposal represents a potential significant step towards peace, reopening a window for a pause in conflict and a broader peace deal. However, key outstanding issues remain unresolved, especially Israel’s demand for unconditional hostage release and security guarantees.
The proposal follows a series of ceasefire efforts in early 2025, which included a similar hostages-for-prisoners exchange and a ceasefire from January to March. However, this ceasefire was broken by Israel in March following Hamas's refusal to release hostages and rejection of extension talks. Since then, hostilities have resumed.
Tens of thousands of Israelis continue to protest for swift action to secure the hostages’ release and end the war. Meanwhile, the United Nations continues to warn that humanitarian aid currently delivered to Gaza remains insufficient to meet the population's needs and prevent starvation.
The EU has condemned the killing of Al-Jazeera Arabic TV channel correspondent Anas al-Sheikh and four other staff members by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. The EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for more support for the needy people in the blockaded Gaza Strip and urged Israel to allow more trucks in and facilitate better aid distribution.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on both sides. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority in Gaza, more than 61,000 people have been killed since October 7, 2023, but the number does not distinguish between civilians and fighters. However, the figures could not be independently verified.
Aid organizations warn of a looming famine in the Gaza Strip, but Israel accuses Hamas of waging a deliberate campaign to generate international pressure on the country. On October 7, 2023, around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken as hostages to Gaza, triggering the current war.
The US, Qatar, and Egypt are actively working to restart indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. US special envoy Steve Witkoff has been engaged in negotiations on a comprehensive agreement to release hostages and end the war. US Businessman Bahbah has advocated for a 60-day ceasefire, stating it would save lives, protect hostages, and create conditions for real progress.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not ready for a partial agreement, according to recent reports. Netanyahu believes that given Hamas's refusal to lay down its weapons, Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas. Trump seems to agree with Netanyahu’s argument that more military pressure on Hamas is needed, according to the US news portal "Axios".
Bishara Bahbah, a confidant of US President Donald Trump, has been involved in contacts between the US and Hamas and called for both warring parties to return to the negotiating table. Israel's military plans to take the city of Gaza and dismantle Hamas in the central refugee camps of the Gaza Strip.
In a recent report, the Cogat authority published no signs of widespread malnutrition among the Gaza Strip population. However, an analysis of published deaths showed that most alleged malnutrition deaths had pre-existing conditions that led to a deterioration in their condition, unrelated to their nutritional status. The report casts doubt on the credibility of the data.
As the conflict continues, the international community urges both sides to return to the negotiating table and find a peaceful solution to end the violence and alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3]
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
