Israel has offered a 45-day ceasefire deal to Hamas, contingent upon the release of half of the hostages still held in Gaza, a Hamas official said Monday. However, the Palestinian group rejected a key clause in the proposal demanding the disarmament of all militant factions in Gaza, calling it a “red line.”
The Israeli proposal, relayed through Egyptian mediators, includes the release of hostages during the first week of the truce, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. In return, Israel is demanding the complete disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in the Strip.
According to the official, Hamas and other factions view their weapons as “non-negotiable.” The group’s leaders are currently reviewing the proposal and have dispatched negotiators to Qatar, where the core of the mediation talks is taking place.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border assault in which 251 hostages were taken, has since led to a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As per Israeli military estimates, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 believed to be deceased.
Amid ongoing conflict and aid blockades, the United Nations warned on Monday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is at its worst since the war began. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported extreme shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies, with no significant aid deliveries for weeks.
Dr. Ahmed al-Farah from Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis said that the hospital is barely functioning, citing an acute lack of resources. Aid workers are rationing supplies to stretch limited stocks.
International pressure for a ceasefire continues to mount. French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during a phone call, urged for an “urgent” halt to hostilities and expanded aid access. Macron also voiced support for reforms in the Palestinian Authority to enable post-war governance of Gaza without Hamas.
Senior Hamas official Taher al-Nunu reiterated the group’s stance, asserting that they are willing to release all hostages if Israel agrees to a “serious prisoner swap” and guarantees to end the war. “The issue is not the number of captives, but the occupation’s refusal to uphold commitments,” Nunu stated.
Reports from Israeli news outlet Ynet suggest the latest ceasefire framework includes a U.S.-backed plan under which Hamas would release 10 living hostages, and in return, Israel would commit to negotiations for a second phase of the truce.
Meanwhile, President Macron indicated that France may recognize a Palestinian state within months, in a move intended to encourage other nations to follow suit. This drew a sharp rebuke from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed such recognition is premature and undermines peace efforts.
As negotiations continue, the humanitarian toll of the war continues to rise, with displaced civilians and overstretched aid agencies caught in the middle of political deadlock and military operations.
Sources By Agencies
