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Netanyahu, Benjamin

Hamas Close to Accepting Ceasefire Deal, but Seeking Stronger Guarantees

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza have gathered momentum, with Hamas leaders poised to accept a proposed deal to end the 20-month war. However, the militant Islamist group is seeking stronger guarantees that any pause in hostilities would lead to a permanent end to the conflict. The deal, which includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, has been met with support from the US and Israel. Despite hardline factions within Hamas initially resisting the need for a ceasefire, the group has come under immense pressure in recent months, with its military leadership decimated and the Israeli military forcing its fighters out of former strongholds.

Key Takeaways:

  • Hamas officials met in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss a new ceasefire proposal, which includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
  • The proposal also includes aid entering Gaza immediately and a phased withdrawal of the Israeli military from parts of the territory.
  • Hamas has come under immense pressure in recent months, with its military leadership decimated and the Israeli military forcing its fighters out of former strongholds.
  • The 20-month war has resulted in the deaths of over 6,000 people in Gaza and an acute humanitarian crisis.
  • Efforts for a new truce in Gaza gathered momentum after the US secured a ceasefire to end the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last month.
  • Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's prime minister, is expected to meet with Trump on Sunday to discuss the war in Gaza and other regional issues.
  • The Israeli security cabinet met on Thursday night to discuss options for Gaza, including an escalation of the current offensive.
  • Proximity talks between Hamas and Israel are expected to begin in the next few days if Hamas responds positively to the proposition.
  • A senior Israeli official close to Netanyahu confirmed that preparations were underway to approve the ceasefire deal.
  • An Israeli delegation is preparing to join indirect talks brokered by Qatar and Egypt to cement the deal.

Statistics:

  • Over 6,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began 20 months ago.
  • More than 250 Palestinians have been killed in recent airstrikes, including many women and children.
  • 251 hostages were seized by Hamas during the 2023 attack, with less than half of the 50 remaining hostages believed to be alive.
  • 1,200 mostly civilians were killed during the 2023 Hamas attack.
  • At least 57,000 people in Gaza have been killed, mostly civilians, according to the Ministry of Health.
  • Israel's military has claimed to "follow international law and takes feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm" when striking "terrorist targets".

Sources:

  • A source close to Hamas officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
  • A senior Israeli official close to Netanyahu, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
  • Reuters, citing a US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee.
  • Israel's Channel 12, citing Netanyahu's visit to Israel's Nir Oz kibbutz.
  • The Ministry of Health, citing a count of casualties in Gaza.
  • A UN spokesperson, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
  • A Western government source, citing concerns over civilian harm in Gaza.

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