Demonstrations across Gaza in opposition to the continuing conflict
In a significant diplomatic move, a comprehensive agreement to end the Israel-Gaza conflict was proposed in 2024. This agreement, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, involves a phased approach including hostage exchanges, ceasefires, Israeli withdrawal, and Gaza's reconstruction. The proposal was accepted by Hamas in May 2024 and supported by the UN Security Council in June 2024 as Resolution 2735.
The agreement outlines a three-stage process, each stage lasting 42 days, focusing on releasing all Israeli captives, freeing some Palestinian prisoners, establishing sustainable calm, ending the Israeli occupation and siege of Gaza, and initiating a reconstruction phase over three to five years. However, despite progress, implementation has faced obstacles.
In February 2025, Israel did not proceed with an agreed withdrawal from the Philadelphi corridor as part of the deal’s phase one, contrary to initial terms. Additionally, political tensions and accusations were made against both Israel and Hamas for hindering the proposal's progress.
Recent developments indicate that Israel's security cabinet has decided to occupy the city of Gaza, but the timeline is unspecified. This decision has sparked worldwide criticism, including from Germany, Britain, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia. The UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss Israel's war plans in an emergency meeting today.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Germany of rewarding Hamas with this decision, while Germany has announced a temporary halt on exports of arms goods that could be used in the Gaza war. A new proposal to end the war is being worked on by Qatar and the US, to be presented to the warring parties within the next two weeks.
As Gaza City, the largest population center in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, is believed to house some of the Israeli hostages, the Forum of Hostages' Families in Israel has demanded a comprehensive agreement to end the war, fearing the capture of Gaza could be a death sentence for their loved ones. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of a "dangerous escalation".
Intensive contacts for a diplomatic solution are reportedly taking place, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, to prevent a full Israeli takeover of the Gaza Strip. Israeli estimates suggest there are still 20 living hostages in the hands of Hamas. The conflict, triggered by the attack by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations on Israel on October 7, 2023, continues to claim lives, with more than 61,000 people having been killed, according to the health authority controlled by Hamas in Gaza.
As the comprehensive agreement remains fragile and contested amid ongoing military and political challenges, efforts for a diplomatic solution continue. The UN Security Council, international community, and warring parties remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the rebuilding of Gaza.
- The new proposal, being crafted by Qatar and the US, aims to address the economic and social policy concerns of both parties, as well as discussing general news topics and crime-and-justice matters arising from the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.
- Despite the ongoing negotiations and tensions, both war-and-conflicts and politics continue to shape international relations, with countries like Germany and others expressing concerns about Israel's latest decision to possibly occupy the Gaza Strip, further highlighting the need for a diplomatic resolution to end the conflict.
