Hopes for a truce in Gaza have been rekindled as the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas awaits Israel's response to new 'ideas' for a ceasefire. Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official, stated that the organization is prepared to discuss the details if Israel's response is positive. The conflict, which began on October 7 with a Hamas attack on southern Israel, has resulted in significant casualties and destruction on both sides.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Mossad chief David Barnea to travel to Qatar to discuss Hamas' new ceasefire proposals. Concurrently, Netanyahu held a conversation with US President Joe Biden, emphasizing that the war will continue until all objectives are achieved. The Israeli army's offensive on Gaza has resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
In a parallel development, Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets and 20 drones from Lebanon, marking the largest attack by the Lebanese militia against Israel since the conflict began. This escalation followed the assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander by Israel. The Israeli army responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises in Gaza, with nearly 90% of its population displaced, some multiple times. The United Nations has described the situation as dire, with displaced individuals facing severe shortages of water, food, and basic necessities. Oxfam has accused Israel of creating 'death traps' by forcing Palestinians to move to overcrowded areas with inadequate resources.
International pressure for a ceasefire is mounting. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the situation with his Saudi counterpart, emphasizing the need for a truce that includes the release of hostages and increased humanitarian aid. Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US are actively working to broker a ceasefire agreement.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, the conflict's intensity shows no signs of abating. Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza, and the threat of further escalation with Hezbollah looms large. The situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for extended conflict if peace talks fail.
