Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has downplayed the chances of reaching a ceasefire agreement in the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This comes after Hamas presented what they termed a “comprehensive vision” for a potential truce to mediators. The militant group is seeking a permanent end to hostilities and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s office dismissed Hamas’ proposals as “unrealistic.”
Hamas’ ceasefire proposal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for freeing Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, with an initial swap involving women, children, elderly, and ill hostages for 700-1,000 Palestinian detainees. The plan also outlines a path towards a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and the return of displaced Gazans.
However, Israel has repeatedly signaled the need for a military operation targeting Rafah, asserting that Hamas cannot be fully removed from Gaza without addressing the city. International concerns have been raised over the potential humanitarian consequences of such an assault.
On Thursday night, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that 20 people were killed while waiting for aid delivery. Israel denies any involvement and alleges armed Palestinians fired upon the crowds. The incident occurred at the Kuwaiti roundabout on the southern outskirts of Gaza City, a known drop-off point for the limited aid reaching northern Gaza, where the UN warns children are dying from malnutrition and famine is imminent.
Despite rejecting Hamas’ latest ceasefire proposal, Netanyahu stated that an Israeli delegation would travel to Qatar to discuss Israel’s demands for any potential agreement. He also approved plans for a military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where over a million displaced Gazans have taken shelter.
The army is preparing for the evacuation of civilians, and the IDF previously announced plans to move displaced Palestinians in Gaza to what it called “humanitarian islands” within the strip, though details remain unclear.
Meanwhile, a ship towing a barge loaded with 200 tons of food supplies was visible off the Gaza coast in a pilot voyage aimed at opening a maritime aid route, as road access remains severely restricted. Australia announced it would resume funding to UNRWA, the main UN aid agency in Gaza, after suspending contributions two months ago due to allegations against some staff members.
The conflict, triggered by a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October, has claimed over 31,000 Palestinian lives and wounded over 71,500, according to Gaza health authorities.
Israel’s tallies indicate around 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages taken in the initial attack.
As the war enters its sixth month, the UN warns that over 576,000 Gazans face famine, increasing global pressure on Israel to allow more aid access to the besieged enclave.
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