Netanyahu claims on ceasefire in Gaza: The claim comes after Witkoff, the Middle East envoy, expressed optimism earlier this week that he could broker an agreement to put an end to the war in Gaza, which has lasted more than 19 months.
The proposal for a truce in Gaza and a prisoner exchange from US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff has been accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu reportedly declared, “Israel accepts the new Witkoff outline,” in a statement issued by his office and quoted by Israeli media while meeting with the relatives of hostages held by Hamas.
Furthermore, Hamas affirmed Thursday that it had received and was reviewing the mediators’ fresh ceasefire proposal.
It follows Witkoff’s earlier statement this week that he was hopeful of negotiating a deal to put an end to the conflict in Gaza, which has lasted for more than 19 months, and to secure the release of the hostages that Hamas has been holding in the Strip.
“I have some very good feelings about getting to a long-term resolution — a temporary ceasefire and a long-term resolution, a peaceful resolution of that conflict,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
What is the most recent suggestion?
Witkoff has kept the contents of the most recent proposal under wraps, but two independent officials from Egypt and Hamas have corroborated some of the specifics.
They discussed the delicate conversations while remaining anonymous.
They say it demands a 60-day cease-fire, promises of meaningful talks that would result in a permanent truce, and pledges that Israel won’t re-engage in hostilities following the release of captives, as it did in March when previous cease-fire broke down.
Hamas would release over 1,100 Palestinians, including 100 serving lengthy sentences for deadly crimes, in exchange for 10 live captives and several bodies during the 60-day ceasefire.
Experts say a nearly three-month Israeli embargo has driven many Gazans to the verge of starvation, and hundreds of trucks delivering food and humanitarian goods would be let entry into the territory every day.
What do Hamas and Israel desire?
It has been difficult to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas since they disagree on a number of important subjects.
Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire, the complete evacuation of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a flood of supplies.
Israel, however, has continuously repressed similar calls, claiming that its ultimate objective is the complete annihilation of Hamas and that it would only consent to brief ceasefires to allow for the release of hostages.
Of the 58 hostages that Hamas still holds, about one-third are thought to be alive.
Netanyahu has also maintained that Israel will maintain “security control” over Gaza indefinitely and allow for the voluntary exodus of a large portion of its inhabitants.
The majority of the international world and Palestinians have opposed proposals to relocate Gaza’s people, which experts say would probably be against international law.
Although Hamas has stated that it will only free the remaining hostages—its sole negotiating tool—in exchange for additional Palestinian detainees, it has also offered to cede control to a group of politically independent Palestinians who would be in charge of the enclave’s rehabilitation.
For more than 18 months, the US, Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating discussions, and one of the main points of contention has been the disagreement over whether any ceasefire should be temporary or permanent.
Hamas militants killed almost 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in their October 7, 2023, onslaught on southern Israel, sparking the start of the conflict.
At least 54,000 Palestinians have been murdered in a second Israeli offensive, primarily women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is operated by Hamas and does not separate fighters from civilians.
According to the Israeli military, since the battle began, 850 of its soldiers have lost their lives.
Large portions of Gaza have been damaged by the offensive, and around 90% of the two million Palestinians who live there have been forced to leave their homes, leaving hundreds of thousands to live in filthy tent camps and abandoned schools.
Hamas has lost almost all of its top leaders in Gaza, and ts military might has been severely diminished.
