As the international community watches closely, Israel is awaiting Hamas’s decision regarding a US-backed ceasefire and hostage release proposal in Gaza. Former US President Donald Trump is poised to provide Hamas with a guarantee of his dedication to permanently ending the ongoing conflict, which commenced in October 2023. The US is intensifying its efforts to persuade Israel to finalize a ceasefire deal, particularly before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington.
Key issues separating the two sides relate to the end of the war. Israel desires the ability to restart its offensive against Hamas, whereas Hamas demands a permanent end to the hostilities. Trump’s pledge, as reported, includes continued talks on ending the war even after a temporary ceasefire, with him leveraging his influence to achieve a lasting agreement. This is tied to Hamas accepting the Witkoff framework, which would involve releasing hostages and bodies over a 60-day ceasefire. Mediators have offered assurances that fighting will stop during negotiations, though Israel has not committed to refraining from renewed combat if talks falter.
Israeli authorities are hopeful that a response from Hamas will come shortly. Discussions of the US-backed proposal are underway among Palestinian groups, with a response expected to mediators soon after. The tentative deal includes a phased release of hostages and bodies over two months. Netanyahu discussed the terms with select ministers. It is anticipated that the government and its negotiating team will soon face the complicated task of determining the order of hostage releases, with sensitivity surrounding captives’ health conditions also a consideration. Israeli officials have defined all remaining hostages as “humanitarian.” US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has expressed optimism for the deal’s completion, highlighting the significance of Hamas’s role and reiterating that Hamas has no future in Gaza. The original conflict, which sparked the current situation, began on October 7, 2023, with attacks on Israel leading to the deaths of 1,200 people.