Attempts to negotiate a truce in the ongoing conflict in Gaza
Headline: Mediators Propose New Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal in Gaza Conflict
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has taken a new turn with regional mediators proposing a two-stage ceasefire and hostage release deal. According to reports, this plan involves a temporary 60-day truce during which Hamas would release about half of the remaining Israeli hostages, estimated at 20 alive, in two phases. Concurrently, negotiations would begin aimed at a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal [1].
The proposed plan is the result of collaborative efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. US envoy Steve Witkoff has been instrumental in this process, having recently met with Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for this purpose. The new proposal for a comprehensive agreement on the release of hostages and an end to the war is being worked on by Qatar and the US [1].
However, no immediate response has been received from Israeli officials regarding this proposal as of August 18, 2025 [1]. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas to end the war quickly [1]. Israel's new war plan includes not only the takeover of the city of Gaza but also the dismantling of Hamas in central refugee camps in the Gaza Strip.
On the other hand, Bishara Bahbah, a US businessman involved in contacts between the US and Hamas, has called on both warring parties to immediately return to the negotiating table. Bahbah has emphasised that an escalation of the war would increase casualties in the Gaza Strip and endanger hostages held by Hamas [1].
The EU has also shown concern over the ongoing conflict, with the foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas calling for more support for the suffering people in the besieged Gaza Strip and urging Israel to allow more trucks in and facilitate better aid distribution [1]. The EU has also condemned the killing of Al-Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Shaheeb and four other staff members by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip [1]. Israel's military confirmed al-Shaheeb's death. However, Israel also claimed that al-Shaheeb led a terrorist cell of the Islamic Hamas [1].
As the conflict continues, mediators are reportedly making new efforts to end the war and resume indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. The US, Qatar, and Egypt are actively working towards this goal [1]. The proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
[1] Source: Reuters, August 18, 2025.
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