Israel has accepted terms for a Gaza agreement; awaiting response from Hamas - Israel has consented to the Gaza agreement; the ball is now in Hamas' court.
In a significant development, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel has agreed to an updated proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire, if accepted by all parties, would mark a significant step towards ending the almost 21-month-long war between Israel and Hamas.
However, as of now, there is no definitive public information confirming whether Hamas will accept the proposed ceasefire deal negotiated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. Ceasefire negotiations involving Hamas are often complex and contingent on various factors.
Hamas typically weighs whether the terms of the ceasefire meet their key demands, such as lifting blockades, prisoner exchanges, and humanitarian aid access. Internal politics within Hamas's leadership and its political and military wings may also influence their decision. Qatar and Egypt, who play significant roles as mediators, can sway Hamas towards acceptance. The US stance and assurances can impact the deal’s credibility from Hamas’s perspective. Ongoing hostilities or incidents can derail negotiations or harden stances.
The Israeli leadership insists on the dismantling of Hamas, the dissolution of its military wing, and the exile of its senior commanders as part of any long-term ceasefire. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has threatened both Hamas and the Houthi militia, stating that "whoever raises a hand against Israel - their hand will be cut off."
Trump strongly urged Hamas to accept the proposal, stating that it's not going to get better and will only get worse if they do not. The Israeli news site "ynet" cited high-ranking sources involved in the negotiations for the release of hostages in Gaza, stating that there is motivation on both the Hamas and Israeli sides to move forward and initiate negotiations, even without absolute guarantees for an end to the war.
The attack by Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulted in around 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages taken to Gaza. Around 50 hostages are still being held in the sealed-off Gaza Strip, with at least 20 of them still alive, according to official Israeli figures.
Monitoring official statements from Hamas, as well as announcements from the mediators, will provide clearer indicators in the coming days regarding Hamas's decision on the proposed ceasefire. The US will work with all parties to end the war during the 60-day ceasefire period. Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington next week to discuss the ongoing situation.
The European Union has expressed its concern about the recent events in the Gaza Strip, including the ongoing war-and-conflicts and the complex politics surrounding the ceasefire negotiations. General news outlets report that the US President's announcement of a 60-day ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip has created a significant point for discussion, but whether Hamas will accept remains unclear, due to factors such as internal politics, key demands, and the US stance.
