Pondering over Hamas: Will a truce in Gaza succeeded?
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the United States remains hopeful for a new ceasefire. Israel has accepted a proposed truce from the US, although Hamas has yet to respond as of late night. Negotiations with all parties are continuing, according to White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has called for immediate evacuation of civilians in several northern regions of Gaza, citing terrorist activities in the areas. The military also reported attacking Hezbollah military facilities in Lebanon, an affiliated group with Hamas, although the ceasefire has been in effect since November.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly agreed to a time-limited ceasefire proposed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, but Hamas is said to have reservations. According to Israeli media reports, the plan calls for a 60-day ceasefire, with the release of ten hostages in two stages within a week, as well as the return of the bodies of 18 abducted individuals and the release of over 1,000 prisoners and residents.
Hamas has confirmed receiving the US proposal and plans to examine it carefully, taking into account "the interests of the Palestinian people." U.S. President Donald Trump's spokesperson did not provide details about the current proposal but expressed hope for a ceasefire.
Talks for an end to the war may occur during the proposed ceasefire, with the release of remaining hostages and mortal remains of other abducted individuals. According to Israeli reports, at least 20 living hostages are still held in Gaza, with the fate of three others unknown. The mortal remains of 35 abducted individuals are believed to be in a highly populated area with numerous underground tunnel systems.
Hamas initially rejected a temporary ceasefire, demanding complete withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent end to the war, but US special envoy Witkoff expressed optimism about the prospects for a possible ceasefire and a long-term peaceful solution.
The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas and other Islamic terrorist groups attacked Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken to the Gaza Strip. Since then, Israel has been fighting Hamas in the now extensively destroyed coastal region, with about two weeks marked by dozens of reported deaths daily. Israel's stated goal is to dismantle Hamas and free the last hostages held by extremists, which has faced criticism domestically and abroad.
The humanitarian situation in the densely populated coastal strip has significantly worsened. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the situation "is as bleak as it has ever been." Since the start of the war, over 54,200 Palestinians, with a third being minors, have been killed, although the figures from the Hamas-controlled health authority do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Politics and general news continue to revolve around war-and-conflicts, as the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain in the spotlight. The proposed ceasefire, which includes the release of hostages and prisoners, is under consideration by both parties, with each having their own set of demands.
