Hamas is reportedly considering an American proposal, as per statements by Donald Trump, who hopes that a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is imminent.
A potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is near, according to U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated that an agreement could be reached within the next 24 to 48 hours.
The latest proposal from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has gained traction, with Tel Aviv having accepted the terms. Hamas has been evaluating this offer and discussing it with other Palestinian factions in Gaza, including Islamic Jihad.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that the government would "destroy" Hamas if they failed to accept the U.S. offer. The proposed ceasefire includes the release of ten live hostages and eighteen bodies, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli troops. However, Hamas has demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities and an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which is not addressed in Witkoff's proposal.
Hamas has been engaged in consultations with other Palestinian groups regarding the proposal. Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim has stated that the proposal does not meet the demands of the people in Gaza. Israeli forces have allegedly been seeking to consolidate the occupation and perpetuate policies of slaughter and starvation.
Amidst these negotiations, violence has continued in Gaza. More than a dozen Gazans have died in an Israeli drone attack on tents for displaced persons in Al Mawasi. The Palestinian Ministry of Health has also reported an attack and looting of an American field hospital in the center of Gaza. Since the start of the Israeli offensive in October 2023, over 54,000 people have died, and more than 123,700 have been injured.
The ceasefire deal aims to lead to permanent negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The proposed 60-day ceasefire includes a phased release of Israeli captives and the remains of those killed in conflict. The negotiations are ongoing, with both sides seeking to address outstanding issues.
The proposed ceasefire, not addressing the immediate demands for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as stated by Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim, still aims to lead to permanent negotiations to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The average number of deaths since the start of the Israeli offensive in October 2023 now exceeds 54,000, and the ongoing violence fueled by war-and-conflicts significantly impacted the political landscape, with these issues remaining critical points in the general news.
