Gaza truce effort gains momentum as Hamas prepares response to Israeli proposal

Diplomatic endeavors escalated on Sunday towards achieving a long-pursued ceasefire and hostage-release accord in Gaza, with Hamas announcing its intention to journey to mediator Egypt to deliver its response following Israel’s latest proposition.

The Israeli government, amidst mounting pressure from global allies and domestic demonstrators clamoring for the release of hostages seized by Hamas militants in the October 7 assault that instigated the conflict, finds itself navigating delicate negotiations.

A delegation from the Islamist movement is scheduled to arrive in Egypt on Monday to convey Hamas’s response to Israel’s revised hostage and truce counteroffer, according to a senior Hamas official cited by AFP. The collaborative efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aim to mediate a new ceasefire, building on the foundation laid by a one-week cessation of hostilities in November, which saw the exchange of 80 Israeli hostages for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli detention.

Hamas’s unprecedented October incursion resulted in the loss of approximately 1,170 lives in Israel, predominantly civilians, as per an AFP tally based on Israeli official data. In retaliation, Israel’s offensive against Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 34,454 individuals in Gaza, primarily women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory. Israel estimates that 129 hostages seized on October 7 remain in Gaza, with Hamas’s insistence on a permanent ceasefire meeting resistance from Israel.

Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported that Israel’s latest proposal signals a willingness to engage in discussions regarding the restoration of sustainable calm in Gaza subsequent to the release of hostages—a notable departure from previous stances. A Hamas source close to the negotiations expressed openness to the new proposal, emphasizing the group’s desire to secure a permanent ceasefire, facilitate the return of displaced persons, negotiate a viable prisoner exchange, and bring an end to the blockade in Gaza.

Amidst mounting humanitarian concerns, a summit convened in Riyadh has drawn attention to the dire situation in Gaza, with Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan decrying the international community’s failure to address the crisis effectively. The summit underscores the urgency of resolving the protracted conflict, with global leaders emphasizing the need for tangible progress towards a sustainable resolution, including the establishment of a Palestinian state.