Hamas' proposed truce terms, as per Netanyahu, are deemed unacceptable. - Hamas's proposed truce terms, as per Netanyahu, are unacceptable
In the ongoing efforts to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a proposed ceasefire agreement has emerged, but significant disagreements persist. The latest proposal, which includes the release of ten of the 21 hostages presumed alive in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, has been met with a mixed response.
Hamas, in a positive response to the proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal, has signalled its willingness to negotiate, but with several key reservations. The militant group has demanded that the United Nations, rather than Israel or the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund, resumes full control over humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza. Furthermore, Hamas insists that the Israel and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund should have no role in aid distribution.
In addition, Hamas requires that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) withdraw to positions held before the ceasefire collapsed in March, effectively reverting to previous lines. However, Israel has rejected these additional demands, refusing both the call for a UN-led humanitarian aid system and the condition for IDF withdrawal.
Thousands of people in Israel are demanding the release of all hostages still held by Islamists in the Gaza Strip. Reports suggest that Israel is holding at least 20 living hostages, with the status of two being unclear. The deaths of 28 abducted persons are still unresolved, with their bodies still in Gaza.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which began operations in late May after months of blockade by Israel on aid deliveries, has reported attacks on its staff. Two American helpers of the GHF were injured in an attack on a food distribution center, with the US State Department blaming Hamas. The GHF has previously reported attacks on its staff, with most recently eight Palestinian employees killed in an attack in June.
The proposed ceasefire, if accepted, would last for 60 days, during which a permanent end to the war would be negotiated. However, Hamas demands that talks on a permanent ceasefire continue until an agreement is reached. The UN aid organizations, who do not work with the GHF, have criticized its operation of too few distribution centers and exposing people to great danger.
As the negotiations continue, a delegation from Israel is reportedly travelling to Doha, Qatar, for the talks. Israel has expressed openness to indirect negotiations regarding the proposed ceasefire, but the impasse over these specific issues remains.
The European Union and its Member States, keen on the implementation of the UN Charter and the UN Charter, are closely monitoring the ongoing political developments and general news related to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, including the proposed ceasefire and hostage deal. Despite Hamas' positive response to the deal, war-and-conflicts continue as Hamas' additional demands, such as a UN-led humanitarian aid system and the withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces, have been rejected by Israel.
