Israel accepts US ceasefire proposal but Hamas demands unmet
- Israel has accepted a US ceasefire proposal that includes the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- Hamas has responded coolly, stating that the proposal does not meet their essential demands for an end to hostilities.
- The ongoing negotiations underscore the challenges of achieving a lasting peace in a heavily divided environment.
In the context of ongoing conflict in Gaza, the White House announced that Israel had accepted a new US proposal for a temporary ceasefire with Hamas. This proposal, presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump, reportedly includes the return of approximately 28 Israeli hostages in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. While Israel has publicly supported the plan, Hamas has expressed dissatisfaction with it, stating that it does not address their central demands, which include an end to hostilities and safe passage for humanitarian aid. Hamas stated it would study the proposal responsibly but challenged the US plan's effectiveness in ending the conflict or alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The ongoing violence has had devastating consequences for Gaza's civilian population, with recent Israeli military operations resulting in the deaths of over 54,000 individuals since the beginning of hostilities. Additionally, there are fears that a ceasefire might bolster Hamas’s influence in the region, potentially allowing them to regroup militarily to launch future attacks. Discussions surrounding this ceasefire proposal come after more than a year of failed negotiations aimed at achieving a permanent truce. The complexity of the situation is underscored by the political dynamics within Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from his far-right coalition to continue military action until all hostages are secured and Hamas is neutralized.