Hamas has announced that it is reviewing a new ceasefire proposal from Israel in an attempt to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Egypt is increasing its mediation efforts to negotiate a deal and prevent the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya revealed that the Palestinian militant group is assessing Israel’s proposal, with a response forthcoming upon completion of their evaluation.
According to an anonymous Egyptian official, the discussions follow a visit by a high-level Egyptian delegation to Israel, where talks centred on a “new vision” for a prolonged ceasefire in Gaza.
The proposed ceasefire aims to address critical demands from both sides, including the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza.
International pressure mounts for a ceasefire agreement as casualties rise, with over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population seeking refuge in Rafah.
Israel’s ongoing military buildup near Rafah has sparked concerns, with Egypt cautioning against a potential offensive due to its catastrophic consequences on humanitarian conditions and regional stability.
Amid escalating violence, an Israeli airstrike in Rafah claimed the lives of six individuals, including four children. At the same time, two Palestinian men were killed in an exchange of fire at an Israeli checkpoint in the West Bank.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to Israel underscores U.S. engagement in addressing the conflict, with recent criticism directed at Israeli policies in the West Bank.
Hamas reiterates its demands for a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal, emphasizing its commitment to the Palestinian people’s needs.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel in October, has resulted in significant casualties and ongoing military operations as both sides remain entrenched in their positions.
Efforts to resolve have faced numerous hurdles, with Israel asserting its determination to continue military operations until Hamas is defeated. Additionally, Israel insists on maintaining a security presence in Gaza even after the conflict ends.
Hamas, on the other hand, remains steadfast in its demands for a complete Israeli withdrawal and an end to attacks on Gaza. The group’s resistance has been fueled by widespread civilian casualties and displacement resulting from Israeli airstrikes and ground operations.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to broker a deal, the conflict shows no signs of abating. The escalation of violence in the region underscores the urgent need for a sustainable solution to end the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire and restore peace to the Gaza Strip.
