Israel Accepts A U.S. Proposal For A Temporary Gaza Ceasefire And Hamas Gives A Cool Response

Israel has agreed to a new temporary ceasefire proposal with Hamas, according to the White House. The proposal aims to halt the Israel-Hamas conflict and secure the release of hostages taken during the initial attack that triggered the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted on the release of all hostages before ending the war, while Hamas seeks a full Israeli withdrawal, a lasting ceasefire, and a transfer of power to a politically independent Palestinian committee. The negotiations, involving the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, have faced challenges in finding common ground on the terms of the ceasefire.

The latest ceasefire proposal involves a 60-day pause in fighting, serious negotiations for a long-term truce, and guarantees from Israel not to resume hostilities after the release of hostages. Hamas would release a portion of the hostages and bodies in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, humanitarian aid access to Gaza, and a withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-March positions.

The conflict, which began with a deadly attack by Hamas-led militants, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza. The ongoing negotiations struggle to reconcile the differing demands of Israel and Hamas, with fears that a premature ceasefire could lead to further conflict or political instability.