Israel Agrees to Temporary Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict with Hamas
Ceasefire Agreement Announced
The White House revealed on Thursday that Israel has consented to a temporary ceasefire proposal put forth by the United States in its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Israel has shown its support for this new initiative.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant organization, has stated that the proposal is still under consideration, but they argue that its current form would lead to continued violence and starvation in Gaza, as reported by a news outlet.
Bassem Naim, a senior official from Hamas, expressed to the press that the proposal fails to address their primary demands, which include an end to the conflict and alleviation of famine conditions.
While the specifics of the proposal remain undisclosed, a news source that reviewed the document indicated that Hamas would agree to release 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others during a 60-day ceasefire. In exchange, Israel would free 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, along with 1,111 individuals detained since October 7, and return the bodies of 180 Palestinians.
Additionally, the Israeli Defence Forces are expected to withdraw from specific regions, with further details to be finalized in ongoing discussions.
The military offensive by Israel against Gaza commenced in October 2023 following a Hamas attack that resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in southern Israel and the taking of hostages. Since then, Israel has conducted extensive air and ground operations in Gaza, leading to over 62,600 fatalities, including nearly 17,500 children.
Currently, Hamas retains 58 of the approximately 200 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, as reported by the press. Most other hostages were released during previous ceasefires.
Israel has also imposed a strict blockade on humanitarian assistance, which United Nations officials warn has pushed the population to the brink of famine.
Although the blockade saw a partial easing on May 19, allowing some aid to flow in, UN Secretary-General António Guterres characterized the volume as merely a 'teaspoon' compared to the urgent needs of the population, according to a news outlet.
Attempts to restore the ceasefire that was initially established on January 19 have faltered due to significant disagreements between Hamas and Israel. Tel Aviv insists that Hamas must disarm, disband, and release all remaining hostages, while Hamas demands that Israel withdraw its forces and agree to end the conflict.