Pondering over Hamas Ceasefire in Gaza: Is itEffective and Long-Lasting?
Conflict in Gaza continuation, U.S. seeks ceasefire
WASHINGTON/GAZA — The U.S. government presented a new proposal for a ceasefire to Israel and Hamas, as the Israeli military strikes against the Islamist group in the Gaza Strip persist. Although Israel has accepted the new U.S. proposal, the terror organization has yet to respond, according to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army called for immediate evacuation of civilians in several areas of the northern Gaza Strip, stating that "terrorist organizations" were conducting destructive activities. These regions are now considered dangerous combat zones. Additionally, the army attacked military facilities of the Hezbollah, affiliated with Hamas, in Lebanon.
Israeli media reports indicate that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has agreed in principle to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal for a time-limited ceasefire, although the Hamas may have certain reservations, as mentioned by unnamed sources in the Times of Israel. The terms of the proposed ceasefire include a 60-day truce, the release of ten hostages in two stages within a week, and the return of mortal remains of abducted individuals. In response, Israel would release 125 Palestinians sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,111 residents of Gaza arrested since the attack on Israel in October 2023, along with the return of the mortal remains of 180 Palestinians.
So far, Hamas has not confirmed that they have accepted the plan, with only a statement indicating that they are considering the proposal responsibly based on the interests of the Palestinian people. As of now, no details about the current proposal have been provided by the White House.
Past discussions about the ceasefire have stalled, with Hamas demanding the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a permanent end to the conflict. However, Witkoff sounded optimistic regarding the prospects of a temporary ceasefire and a long-term peaceful solution to the conflict.
The conflict began with an attack by Hamas and other Islamic terrorists on Israel in October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages being taken to the Gaza Strip. Since then, the humanitarian situation in the densely populated coastal strip has worsened significantly, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Over 54,200 Palestinians, including a third who are minors, have been killed since the war started, according to figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority. These figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
The U.S. special envoy, Steve Witkoff, proposed a time-limited ceasefire that includes a 60-day truce, the release of hostages, and the return of mortal remains, which the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has agreed to in principle. On the other hand, the political situation remains uncertain as Hamas has not yet confirmed their acceptance of the proposed ceasefire, with the service sector in war-and-conflicts zones, such as general news from Gaza, closely monitoring these diplomatic developments.
