Trump pursues potential agreement with Netanyahu this week
The ongoing Gaza War, now in its 21st month, has seen a resurgence of indirect negotiations for a ceasefire, brokered by the United States and Qatar. The talks, however, are facing significant hurdles as both Israel and Hamas grapple with opposing demands.
The proposed ceasefire, lasting for 60 days, would see Hamas hand over 10 living hostages and 18 bodies. In return, Israeli military forces would withdraw to buffer zones along Gaza’s borders. Humanitarian aid would be increased, with UN agencies and the Palestinian Red Crescent involved in its distribution. Palestinian prisoners would be released in exchange for hostages, although the specific number is still under negotiation.
However, the major sticking point remains Hamas's demand for a guarantee that the ceasefire leads to a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, insists on its right to resume military operations if needed, aiming to destroy Hamas as a militant group. This impasse has caused the negotiations to face delays and setbacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet President Trump at the White House to discuss the deal, with hopes for progress. Trump has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force has reported striking the power plant in Ras Kanatib near the port city of Hudaida, and intercepting two rockets fired from Yemen in the morning. The status of two abduction victims remains unclear.
The Houthis, who have been attacking Israel with rockets and drones since the start of the Gaza War, claim their attacks are a show of solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. The Houthis have captured the cargo ship "Galaxy Leader" in November 2023, which was hit by the Israeli Air Force.
Netanyahu's goals include bringing all hostages home, dismantling Hamas' military and administrative capabilities, and expelling Hamas from the Gaza Strip. Targets in Yemen, such as the ports of Ras Issa, Hudaida, and Salif, have also been hit by the Israeli Air Force.
In a warning, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Yemen will be treated like Tehran. Netanyahu intends to ensure that the Gaza Strip no longer poses a threat to Israel.
As the negotiations continue, the fate of the 28 abducted individuals still held and the future of the Gaza Strip hang in the balance. The hope remains that a resolution can be found, bringing an end to the violence and suffering experienced by both sides.
- The policy and legislation surrounding the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip is focused on ensuring a ceasefire, with talks involving the United States, Qatar, Israel, and Hamas.
- The general-news landscape is filled with updates on the negotiation impasse, as Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, while Israel insists on maintaining its right to resume military operations against Hamas.
- In the realm of crime-and-justice, the release of Palestinian prisoners is being proposed in exchange for hostages, but the specific number is yet to be decided, while the status of two abduction victims remains uncertain.
