Gaza Conflict: Hamas Seeks Guarantees on Ceasefire Deal

Strategic Insights -

A ceasefire proposal, brokered by the US, has offered Hamas guarantees that the war in Gaza will eventually end, a source close to the group said. The proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israeli officials said prospects for reaching a ceasefire deal and hostage deal appeared high, nearly 21 months since the conflict began. On the ground, intensified Israeli strikes across Gaza have killed at least 59 people on Thursday, according to health authorities in the territory.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas is seeking clear guarantees that a new US ceasefire proposal for Gaza would lead to the war's end, a source close to the militant group said.
  • The US proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
  • Israeli officials said prospects for reaching a ceasefire deal and hostage deal appeared high, nearly 21 months since the conflict began.
  • At least 59 people were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Thursday, according to health authorities in the territory.
  • The conflict began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.
  • Israel's subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry.
  • Hamas is willing to release all the hostages still in Gaza if Israel ends the war, but Israeli officials say they won't end the war while Hamas is still armed and ruling Gaza.
  • Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said there was "definitely readiness to advance a deal" on a ceasefire.
  • Preparations are in place to approve a ceasefire deal, even as Israeli Prime Minister heads to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday.
  • The return of 50 other hostages in Gaza is believed to be a major sticking point in the negotiations.
  • The war has displaced most of the population of over 2 million in Gaza, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins.

Statistics:

  • Over 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military assault on Gaza, according to the Gaza health ministry.
  • At least 59 people were killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza on Thursday.
  • The conflict has lasted for nearly 21 months since it began.
  • Israel says it won't end the war while Hamas is still armed and ruling Gaza.
  • Hamas has taken 251 hostages back to Gaza.
  • 17 people were killed in an Israeli strike that hit a school in Gaza City where displaced families were sheltering.
  • 20 people were killed by Israeli fire en route to an aid distribution site, according to medics at Nasser hospital.

Sources:

  • Reuters, "Hamas seeks guarantees on US ceasefire proposal for Gaza," July 3, 2023.
  • Ynet, Eli Cohen's statement on "readiness to advance a deal."
  • Gaza health ministry, Israeli tallies of casualties.
  • US President Donald Trump's proposal for a 60-day ceasefire.
  • Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dawoud Abu Alkas, reporting from Gaza and Israel.
  • Maayan Lubell, additional reporting.