Israel supports a proposed Gaza cease-fire deal, waiting for Hamas to agree. Talks to finalize the agreement for a six-week ceasefire is being discussed will continue in Egypt.
This agreement would involve Hamas releasing vulnerable hostages, such as the sick, wounded, elderly, and women.
The official emphasized the importance of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, stating that a framework deal is in place and the Israelis have largely accepted it. The official also mentioned that the ceasefire could start today if Hamas agrees to the terms.
Officials from Israel and Hamas did not immediately respond to requests for comment. According to a senior Egyptian official, mediators from Egypt and Qatar are expected to receive a response from Hamas during the Cairo talks scheduled to start on Sunday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not publicly authorized to discuss the sensitive talks.
International mediators are striving for a ceasefire before Ramadan to aid Palestinians facing famine in northern Gaza.
Israel and Hamas observed a one-week ceasefire in late November. The 7-day truce led to the release of approximately 100 hostages, primarily women, children, and foreign nationals, in exchange for around 240 Palestinians held by Israel. The ceasefire also resulted in a temporary pause in the hostilities.
These developments occurred amidst mounting criticism regarding the dire situation faced by hundreds of thousands in northern Gaza, the epicenter of the conflict. The conflict began when the Hamas militant group attacked southern Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1, 200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and the capture of approximately 250 hostages.
Residents in northern Gaza are scavenging for food among rubble and trash to feed their severely undernourished children. Families resort to mixing animal feed with grain for bread, leading to a dire hunger crisis. Shockingly, hospital records reveal that 10 children have died of starvation in Gaza.
