Demonstration in Jerusalem - family members of captives call for negotiated settlement
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a new proposal for a ceasefire has emerged this week, bringing hope for an end to the violence.
The coastal area in southern Gaza, declared a humanitarian zone by Israel in December 2023, is already overcrowded with tent camps. This zone contains essential infrastructure such as field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination plants.
The current mediator countries proposing this new agreement are Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Qatar, in particular, is actively working alongside Egypt and the U.S. to achieve a ceasefire in the conflict.
The proposal provides for a 60-day ceasefire, during which initially ten living hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, it is not clear whether Hamas would be ready to release all remaining hostages at once, as Netanyahu insists on a comprehensive deal.
Netanyahu's political survival and the return of hostages have been a point of contention. The Forum of Hostage Families has accused him of prioritizing his political survival over the return of hostages and prevention of unnecessary deaths. Critics also accuse him of unnecessarily dragging out the war.
Meanwhile, the right-wing extremist coalition partners of Netanyahu are against a ceasefire. The Israeli military is preparing for a major offensive in the city of Gaza, which has caused concern among the relatives of the hostages, who fear that the planned military takeover could endanger the lives of those abducted.
In a surprising turn of events, Hamas has agreed to a proposal by the mediators for a ceasefire. The militant group is open to ideas and proposals that lead to a lasting ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, the import of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas has published a video showing Guy Gilboa-Dalal, an Israeli hostage, stating he is in the city of Gaza. This development has added urgency to the negotiations, as the international community calls for the immediate release of all hostages.
The Forum of Families of Hostages Held in Gaza has called on the Netanyahu government to accept the current proposal and immediately begin negotiations for the return of all hostages. Diplomatic efforts to end the war are being led by the USA, Qatar, and Egypt, with the hope that a peaceful resolution can be found soon.
Netanyahu, however, demands the surrender and disarmament of Hamas, which Hamas rejects. The Israeli Prime Minister also wants Israel to retain control over the Gaza Strip, while Hamas demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.
As the negotiations continue, tens of thousands of people have protested outside the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, demanding immediate negotiations. The hope is that a compromise can be reached, leading to a peaceful resolution and the safe return of all hostages.
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