Hamas has accepted a U.S. proposal to begin talks on releasing Israeli hostages, including soldiers and civilians, in Gaza after dropping a demand for a permanent ceasefire before signing an agreement. This shift in stance has raised hopes of achieving a framework agreement and ending the nine-month-old conflict between Israel and Hamas. A source in Israel’s negotiating team has acknowledged a real chance of reaching an agreement, and talks are ongoing with the help of mediators. The proposed agreement includes a temporary ceasefire, aid delivery, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops as negotiations progress.
While efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage release have intensified, fighting continues in Gaza with Israeli forces conducting airstrikes that have killed at least 29 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including journalists and policemen. In response, Hamas and the Islamic Jihad have attacked Israeli forces in several areas of the enclave. The conflict has claimed the lives of thousands of Palestinians and hundreds of Israelis since it began in October. The U.S. administration is reportedly pushing for a deal before the presidential election in November.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has emphasized that there are still gaps between the sides, but talks will continue next week. Mediation efforts are being led by Qatar, where the exiled Hamas leadership is based. The Israeli military has been conducting operations in Rafah, near the border with Egypt, aiming to eradicate Hamas armed wing battalions. Hamas denies using civilian properties for military purposes, despite Israeli accusations.
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