US President Joe Biden has announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a framework for ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, marking a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. The plan, initially proposed by Biden six weeks ago, outlines a three-phase approach to ending hostilities and addressing humanitarian concerns.The first phase would involve a six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza, and Hamas would release several hostages, including women, elderly, and wounded individuals, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase aims for a permanent end to hostilities, the release of remaining hostages, including soldiers, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The final phase would focus on Gaza’s reconstruction and the return of bodies of deceased hostages.Despite this progress, significant challenges remain. Hamas is seeking written guarantees for a permanent ceasefire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on Israel’s ability to resume military operations if necessary. Netanyahu has also emphasized preventing weapons smuggling from Egypt to Hamas as a condition for any agreement.Meanwhile, the situation on the ground remains dire. Israeli forces have partially withdrawn from parts of Gaza City, including the Tel al-Hawa and Rimal neighborhoods, leaving behind significant destruction. The Palestinian Civil Defense reports finding around 60 bodies in these areas following the Israeli withdrawal. Despite the partial pullback, Israeli snipers and tanks still control some high ground, warning residents against returning to their homes.The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that 32 Palestinians were killed and many more injured in the past 24 hours alone. The total death toll in Gaza since October 7, 2023, has reached 38,345, according to Gaza authorities.As negotiations continue, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical. The International Committee of the Red Cross has called for an immediate ceasefire, expressing concern about the dire conditions faced by civilians. The ongoing conflict has left many families without access to basic necessities, with reports of destroyed buildings, including a hospital.
Key points
- US President Joe Biden announced a framework agreement between Israel and Hamas for ceasefire negotiations.
- The proposed plan includes a three-phase approach to end hostilities and address humanitarian concerns.
- Significant challenges remain, including Hamas’ demand for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s insistence on potential military resumption.
- Israeli forces have partially withdrawn from parts of Gaza City, leaving behind destruction and civilian casualties.
- The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing casualties and lack of basic necessities.
Contradictionsđź‘ľWhile Biden announced progress in ceasefire negotiations, some sources report ongoing Israeli military operations and airstrikes in Gaza.
đź‘ľThere are conflicting reports on the number of bodies found after Israeli withdrawal, with some sources citing 60 and others mentioning 120 from the previous update.
