Newslex Point News in Uganda, Uganda news
A senior Hamas official has informed the BBC that the Palestinian armed group will not accept the latest US proposal for a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The White House stated that Israel had approved the plan put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff, awaiting Hamas’s formal response.
Reports from Israeli media suggested that Hamas would need to hand over 10 living hostages and 18 deceased hostages in two stages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Despite Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly accepting the plan, Hamas finds the proposal lacking in meeting critical demands, including an immediate end to the conflict.
Following the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire, Israel imposed a complete blockade on Gaza and resumed military operations against Hamas on 18 March.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in nearly 4,000 deaths in Gaza and has displaced an additional 600,000 individuals. Reports indicate that around 500,000 people in Gaza are facing severe food shortages, leading to a looming humanitarian catastrophe.
Stalled negotiations and uncertainty
While discussions regarding the ceasefire continue, a Hamas official expressed reservations about the proposed deal, highlighting concerns about the lack of guarantees for a lasting truce and the absence of humanitarian aid provisions seen in previous agreements.
Despite ongoing communication with mediators, Hamas is yet to provide a formal written response.
Netanyahu has reiterated Israel’s position that the conflict will only end once all hostages are released, Hamas is disarmed or dismantled, and its leadership is exiled.
Hamas, on the other hand, has indicated willingness to release all captives in exchange for a complete cessation of hostilities and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The toll of the conflict is devastating, with over 54,000 individuals losing their lives in Gaza, including a recent surge in casualties since Israel recommenced its offensive. The violence persists, with Israeli strikes claiming lives in Gaza, further exacerbating the already dire situation on the ground.
Check also;
This is not a Paywall, but Newslex Point's journalism consumes a lot of time, hard-work and money. That's why we're kindly requesting you to support us in anyway they can, for as little as $1 or more, you can support us .Please use the button below to contribute to Newslex Point, Inc. using a credit card or via PayPal.
