Hostage release demanded by Israel, following Hamas' endorsement of fresh ceasefire proposal
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a proposed ceasefire agreement has been met with uncertainty and stalled implementation. The latest framework, accepted by Hamas over a week ago, includes a 60-day pause in attacks, an increase in humanitarian aid, and partial hostage and prisoner releases.
However, Israel has yet to officially respond to the proposal, with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office imposing new conditions that complicate the prospects for agreement. The conditions include the full release of all Israeli captives, a demand not agreed upon by Hamas.
The situation in Gaza has been dire, with Tuesday's strikes claiming the lives of 48 people. Residents of the Sabra and Zeitoun neighborhoods report ongoing artillery shelling, making the situation "very dangerous and unbearable."
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim accused Israel of having "malicious intentions" to continue the war and commit genocide. In response, the Israeli military confirmed a strike in Khan Yunis, targeting a Hamas militant, using precise munitions and taking precautions to minimize civilian harm.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opposes ending the war, warning of a "tragedy" if Netanyahu makes a deal with Hamas. Contrarily, senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi has expressed openness to reaching an agreement, but uncertainty remains whether Netanyahu will follow through.
The mediation efforts have been led by Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, with frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy. The Israeli military declined to comment on specific troop movements, but stated they were operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities and taking steps to mitigate civilian harm.
Mounting pressure on Netanyahu at home and abroad, with tens of thousands of Israelis calling for an end to the war and a deal to free the remaining hostages, has not swayed the Israeli government's stance. A senior Israeli official has stated that the government's stance has not changed and demands the release of all hostages in any deal.
Egypt has sent a new proposal to Israel, with the response now awaited. The proposal is "almost identical" to an earlier version that Israel had previously agreed to. The war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in two short truces, but a lasting ceasefire has not been brokered. As of late August 2025, the ceasefire implementation remains stalled.
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