Hamas’s political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, has confirmed that the group is studying a new proposal for a temporary pause in the fighting in the Gaza Strip. The proposal, put forth by Israel, the US, Qatar, and Egypt, suggests a six-week truce during which more Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. While Hamas’s main priorities remain a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has ruled them out, stating that the war will not end until “total victory” has been achieved.
The conflict began when Hamas gunmen launched a cross-border attack on southern Israel, resulting in numerous casualties and hostages. Since then, thousands of people have been killed in Gaza, and several hostage swaps have taken place. Recent talks in Paris between Qatar’s Prime Minister, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency, Egypt’s intelligence chief, and Israel’s intelligence agencies have laid out a framework for a second pause in the fighting. The first phase of the proposed truce would involve Hamas releasing elderly, women, and child hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. If successful, further phases would be implemented, eventually including the release of Israeli soldiers. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has praised the proposal as strong and compelling, but the Israeli Prime Minister’s office has noted that there are significant gaps that still need to be discussed.
Hamas’s Qatar-based leader has stated that the group has received an invitation to discuss the framework in Cairo and will respond with the aim of halting aggression on Gaza and removing Israeli forces. He emphasized that Hamas is open to any practical initiative or ideas that lead to a comprehensive end to the aggression, rebuilding of Gaza, lifting the blockade, and securing a swap of prisoners. Meanwhile, Israel’s National Security Minister has threatened to dismantle the coalition government if a “reckless deal” is reached with Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu has also reiterated that the war will not conclude without achieving all of its goals, including the elimination of Hamas, the release of all hostages, and ensuring Gaza poses no future threat to Israel.
Amidst these diplomatic developments, battles between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters continue to rage across Gaza, particularly in the city of Khan Younis. The Palestine Red Crescent Society has reported Israeli tanks firing at displaced individuals and their staff near a hospital, raising concerns for the safety of wounded people and medics. Similar reports of intense fighting and bombardment have emerged from the nearby Nasser Hospital, where a handful of medics struggle to treat hundreds of patients with limited supplies. The IDF has claimed that top Hamas commanders are hiding in tunnels beneath Khan Younis, along with hostages. It has launched extensive operations to eliminate terrorists and has started pumping water into Hamas’s tunnel network to disrupt their activities. This move has sparked concerns about the safety of hostages and the potential damage to Gaza’s water source.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it remains uncertain whether Hamas will agree to the proposed ceasefire terms and if Israel will meet its goals. The international community is closely watching these developments, with hopes for a peaceful resolution that would end the violence and address the underlying issues.
