Current Situation in Gaza
Six months into the conflict with Israel in Gaza, negotiations remain at a standstill. Hamas is resolute in its demand that any agreement must include an end to the war.
Hamas Receives Israel’s Response
Hamas announced that it received Israel’s official response to its latest ceasefire proposal on Saturday (Apr 27). According to a statement by the group’s deputy Gaza chief, Hamas will review the response and make its own reply afterward.
“Today Hamas has received the official response of the Zionist occupation to the proposal presented to the Egyptian and the Qatari mediators on April 13,” said Khalil Al-Hayya, who is currently based in Qatar.
Egyptian Delegation Visits Israel
An Egyptian delegation visited Israel on Friday (Apr 26) for discussions with Israeli officials to find a way to resume talks to end the war. They are also seeking to secure the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during the attack on Israeli towns on October 7, according to an official briefed on the meetings.
According to an official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, Israel had no new proposals to make, although it was willing to consider a limited truce in which 33 hostages would be released by Hamas, instead of the 40 previously under discussion.
International Pressure on Hamas
On Thursday (Apr 25), the United States and 17 other countries urged Hamas to release all of its hostages as a way to help end the crisis. Despite this pressure, Hamas has vowed not to give in, but expressed openness to ideas or proposals that consider the needs and rights of their people.
Efforts to End the Conflict
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned seeing fresh momentum in talks to end the war and return the remaining hostages. Reports indicate that Israel is ready to give hostage negotiations one last chance before considering an invasion of Rafah.
Background of the Conflict
On October 7, Hamas fighters stormed Israeli towns, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 253 hostages. In response, Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas through an offensive that has caused the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians.
