Intense demonstrations against the ongoing conflict in Gaza
The Gaza conflict, triggered by an attack by Hamas and other Palestinian terrorist organizations on Israel on October 7, 2023, continues to escalate, with the Israeli government considering a plan to occupy the city of Gaza. This decision has sparked worldwide criticism, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of a "dangerous escalation".
Israel's Mossad chief recently visited Qatar for high-level talks amid warnings that Israel is prepared to launch a major offensive, including taking control of Gaza City, if the negotiations fail. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has accused Germany of rewarding Hamas with its decision to establish an alternative civilian government in the Gaza Strip.
However, intensive contacts for a diplomatic solution, mediated by the USA, Egypt, and Qatar, are taking place to prevent a full Israeli takeover of the Gaza Strip. The mediators, including the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, are attempting to use the limited time before the potential Israeli operation to reach a comprehensive deal to end the war and free all remaining hostages.
The latest proposal for a comprehensive agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 live hostages and remains of 18 deceased hostages, Palestinian prisoner releases, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Both Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been narrowing gaps in talks held mainly in Doha, and the mediators believe that the differences are bridgeable at this stage.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high. The Israeli leadership has not indicated when the military operation to capture Gaza will begin. A mass protest in Israel was led by the Forum of Hostages' Families, demanding a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
International calls, including from Turkey, urge Israel to halt military operations and pursue a ceasefire and diplomatic two-state solution negotiations. Military analysts told the "Wall Street Journal" that the operation could drag on for weeks or months.
As of mid-August 2025, mediators from these countries have presented an updated ceasefire and hostage deal proposal. The new proposal is expected to be presented to the warring parties within the next two weeks. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that exports of weapons that could be used in the Gaza war would not be approved for the time being.
In summary, the status is that intense, high-level negotiations backed by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and others continue, with optimism about bridging gaps, but significant risks remain, including a potential large-scale Israeli military offensive if talks collapse in the near term. The families of the 20 living hostages in the hands of Hamas fear that the capture of Gaza would mean a death sentence for their loved ones.
Politics and general news are abuzz with updates on the ongoing Gaza conflict, involving war-and-conflicts between Israel and Hamas. The international community, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Turkey, and Germany, have been urging for a diplomatic solution to prevent a potential Israeli takeover of the Gaza Strip, especially amid concerns about the safety of remaining hostages.
