Israel-Hamas ceasefire back on table in new negotiations

Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, Hamas, the Palestinian faction governing the territory, has declared its endorsement of a newly proposed ceasefire agreement. This truce plan envisions the release of five additional hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a 50-day cessation of hostilities with Israel. This development arrives as mediators seek to de-escalate tensions and secure a temporary pause in fighting.

Hamas Approves Ceasefire Proposal

Khalil al-Hayyam, a prominent Hamas leader based outside of Gaza, affirmed that the organization has assented to the drafted accord presented by Egyptian and Qatari intermediaries.

Israel Submits Counter-Proposal

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged receipt of the ceasefire proposal. In response, they stated that a counter-proposal has been submitted for consideration.

Potential Eid al-Fitr Truce

Should both parties concur, this nascent, limited ceasefire agreement could potentially coincide with Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the conclusion of Ramadan.

Continuing Military Operations

These discussions unfold as Israeli forces maintain aerial bombardments across Gaza and conduct a ground operation in Rafah. These military actions persist following the collapse of a previous ceasefire established in January, which dissolved earlier this month.

Breakdown of Previous Ceasefire

During the initial phase of the January agreement, Hamas released 33 hostages. It is believed the group continues to hold 59 captives, though reports suggest not all remain alive.

Stalled Negotiations and Shifting Positions

Hamas had initially insisted on adhering to the original framework, which included subsequent negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages in return for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a definitive end to the conflict. However, these follow-up negotiations never commenced.

Israel and the United States had instead proposed an extension of the initial ceasefire phase, which concluded last month, without providing explicit assurances of a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Israel subsequently accused Hamas of rejecting this extension and recommenced its military offensive in Gaza on March 18.

Recent Casualties in Gaza

According to the health ministry in Gaza, which is under Hamas administration, Israeli airstrikes since the resumption of conflict have resulted in the deaths of over 900 individuals.

US Involvement and Israeli Counter-Offer Details

Netanyahu’s office indicated that the Israeli counter-offer to the latest ceasefire proposal was formulated in coordination with the United States. However, specifics of this counter-proposal have not yet been disclosed.

Rafah Ground Operation and Security Concerns

Concurrently, Israeli forces have sustained airstrikes across Gaza while also undertaking a ground operation in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated this operation aims to expand a security buffer zone around southern Gaza.

Hostage Families’ Protests in Israel

In Israel, demonstrators have voiced strong criticism against Netanyahu and his government. They accuse the administration of jeopardizing the lives of the remaining hostages through actions that led to the breakdown of the previous ceasefire.

Hostage Appeals

Adding to the tensions, Hamas released a new video purportedly showing Elkana Bohbot, a hostage, in evident distress. In the video, he implores for his release.

Context of the Gaza Conflict

The ongoing conflict was initiated by an attack led by Hamas into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This assault resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel and the abduction of 251 individuals who were taken to Gaza as hostages.

Israel responded with a large-scale military campaign in Gaza. The health ministry in Gaza reports that this offensive has caused the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians.