Ceasefire Negotiations Between Hamas and Israel at a Standstill
President Joe Biden mentioned on Tuesday that the decision whether to accept a deal was in the hands of Hamas.
The Hamas terrorist group expressed interest in a ceasefire with Israel prior to the Muslim Ramadan fasting period, as reported on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Israel and the United States have put forth an offer for a pause, with Hamas now having the final say on the matter.
Both parties appear to be indicating that the decision rests on the other if specific conditions are met, during a time historically marked by heightened tensions in the Israel-Palestinian conflicts.
Negotiators from Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt are currently in Cairo negotiating a potential 40-day ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Israel not actively involved in the talks.
2 Dead From Houthi Attack
The likelihood of a ceasefire remains slim, following another Houthi attack on a ship in the Gulf of Aden that resulted in at least two deaths.
U.S. and British officials confirmed that the two individuals killed were sailors, marking the first reported deaths since the Yemeni group initiated strikes against ships in a major sea lane.
The U.S. State Department expressed its intent to hold the Houthis accountable for such attacks.
President Joe Biden emphasized on Tuesday that Hamas holds the decision-making power on whether to accept a ceasefire deal that includes the release of Israeli hostages.
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“We are willing to demonstrate the necessary flexibility to achieve a comprehensive cessation of aggression against our people; however, the occupation is reluctant to fulfill the terms of this agreement,” stated Hamas in a release.
Following the deadly attack on Israel last October 7, 2023, where terrorists killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped around 240, Israeli forces are in pursuit of eradicating Hamas.
Residents in Khan Younis, residing in housing districts funded by Qatar, reported constant explosions throughout the night from both the air and ground. Witnesses also indicated that Israeli warplanes targeted areas in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp, Deir Al-Balah city in central Gaza, and parts of Rafah, to the south.
Health officials in Gaza under Hamas control reported a death toll of over 30,700 from Israel’s offensive, with 86 deaths in the past 24 hours. The health ministry’s data does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Ceasefire Requirements
The proposal presented to Hamas includes the release of some of the hostages still held following the Oct. 7 attack.
Aid to Gaza would be increased to prevent famine as hospitals treat severely malnourished children, and Hamas would provide a complete list of all hostages in Gaza.
The immediate release of sick, wounded, elderly, and female hostages would lead to a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks in Gaza, according to the White House.
This would facilitate “an influx of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, allowing for lasting arrangements and sustained peace,” the White House stated.
President Biden informed reporters, “It is currently up to Hamas. The Israelis have been cooperating, and a reasonable offer has been made.”
Israel seeks only a temporary pause in hostilities to evacuate hostages from Gaza and increase aid, asserting that it will not cease conflict until Hamas is no longer a threat.
Famine in Gaza
Gaza faces a looming famine as dwindling aid supplies have severely decreased. Numerous areas are completely cut off from essential food supplies.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip has displaced the majority of the enclave’s 2.3 million inhabitants, causing shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
Recently, Israel escalated its airstrikes on Rafah, a town in southern Gaza near the Egyptian border where an estimated 1.5 million individuals reside.
According to the World Health Organization, most of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have ceased operations, with only 12 partially functioning—six in the north and six in the south—while Al Amal Hospital in Khan Younis is considered minimally operational.
Dr. Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative for Gaza and the West Bank, stated on Tuesday that over 8,000 individuals in Gaza need medical treatment outside the region.
Of these, around 6,000 individuals require treatment for war-related injuries and illnesses, while 2,000 others suffer from cancer or severe chronic conditions.
The U.S. military conducted its first food airdrop to residents of Gaza on Saturday, with plans for additional deliveries in the future.
The recent airdrop signifies a shift in approach by Washington towards Israel, with the U.N. and other relief agencies voicing concerns about blockades or restrictions on aid by Israel. However, Israel refutes claims of obstructing humanitarian assistance.
Reuters contributed to this report.
