Hamas Proposes Ceasefire Amid Renewed Israeli Military Operations in Gaza

JERUSALEM, Israel — The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced support for resuming a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, following a proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The plan suggests releasing five additional hostages in exchange for a 50-day truce.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, confirmed that the group approved the draft deal. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office stated they received the plan and submitted a “counter-proposal to the mediators in full coordination with the United States.” This proposal, if accepted, could coincide with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, starting Sunday.

On Saturday, Netanyahu’s office reported consultations regarding the ceasefire with US officials, although it did not disclose specific details. The US government has yet to publicly comment on the negotiations.

The ceasefire proposal comes as Israeli forces intensified military operations in Rafah and continued air strikes throughout Gaza, resuming hostilities after a truce that came into effect on January 19 ended earlier this month. During the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 33 hostages; however, it is estimated that 59 more remain captive.

Israel has accused Hamas of rejecting extensions to the ceasefire. Following the collapse of negotiations, military strikes resumed on March 18. Since then, over 600 Palestinians have reportedly been killed according to Gaza health officials.

Hamas maintains control over the remaining hostages, with the group previously requiring Israel to withdraw completely from Gaza as a condition for releasing all captives. This negotiation was obstructed, ultimately leading to the conclusion of the truce.

In light of the escalating violence, relatives of the hostages have strongly criticized Netanyahu, claiming the government’s actions jeopardize their loved ones’ lives. Elkana Bohbot, one of the hostages, was featured in a video released by Hamas that captures him pleading for his release.

The conflict escalated significantly after Hamas conducted an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which approximately 1,200 people were killed and around 251 taken hostage. Israel’s military response has seen a death toll in Gaza exceed 50,000, according to figures provided by local health authorities.

Moreover, Israeli military sources disclosed plans for a large-scale ground invasion aimed at establishing full control over Gaza. This initiative was discussed with the Israeli Security Cabinet, though it remains uncertain when or if these plans will be executed.

Analysts warn that capturing Gaza and implementing military rule would represent a major deviation from Israel’s stated aims of dismantling Hamas and releasing hostages. Dan Shapiro, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense, expressed concerns about the lack of a post-conflict strategy, emphasizing the potential for protracted Israeli control.

Military officials are reportedly preparing strategies to manage the humanitarian situation, limiting food distribution to allow for survival while simultaneously striving to curtail Hamas’s military capabilities. Concerns about civilian safety and humanitarian needs in Gaza are mounting, particularly with increasing military operations.

In a contentious remark, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that annexing parts of Gaza could be on the table if Hamas continues to refuse to release hostages. Katz stressed the government’s determination to not relent in its demands and suggested that further military action would follow if conditions remain unchanged.

The situation remains tense, with both sides of the conflict entrenched in their positions as negotiations appear stagnant. The international community is closely monitoring developments, calling for a peaceful resolution to preserve the lives of hostages and the humanitarian welfare of civilians in Gaza.