A flicker of hope has emerged in the long-running conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently suggested a major announcement is near. He believes a deal to free hostages held in Gaza could be made public in just a few days. This comes as indirect ceasefire talks are set to begin in Egypt on Monday.
The possibility of a breakthrough follows a statement from Hamas. The group indicated they accept parts of a peace proposal put forward by the United States. While Hamas agreed to release all hostages, both alive and those who have died, they did not mention disarming. Disarmament remains a key demand from Israel, who also insists Gaza must be demilitarized.
This proposed deal is often called the “Trump Plan.” It lays out 20 points designed to stop the fighting immediately. Under the plan, 20 Israeli hostages would be released, including any who have died. In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be freed from Israeli jails. Reports say Israel has already agreed to an “initial withdrawal line” within this plan.
Former US President Donald Trump has been vocal about the need for speed. He warned on Truth Social that delays would not be tolerated. He urged Hamas to act “as quickly as possible.” If they don’t, Trump stated, “all agreements will be nullified.” He stressed the deal “must get it done and fast.” The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have also confirmed preparations. They posted on X that they are ready for “Phase One of the Trump Plan” to free the hostages, prioritizing the well-being of their soldiers.
However, major hurdles still stand in the way. Hamas demands a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. They also want guarantees that Israel will not attack again once hostages are released. Israel has not yet clearly committed to these conditions, making the path ahead tricky.
Challenges at Home
Back in Israel, Netanyahu faces criticism. Many accuse him of dragging out the war for his own political benefit. Hardline ministers in his government have threatened to quit if the war ends without crushing Hamas. Such resignations could cause his government to fall. Public opinion polls show most Israelis favor a hostage exchange deal to end the war.
Meanwhile, the grim reality on the ground continues. Hamas claims Israel keeps committing “massacres” against people in Gaza, even with talks planned. They reported 66 deaths in the past 24 hours alone. This pushes the total number of people killed in Gaza past 67,074 since the conflict started in October 2023.
Medical sources at Al-Shifa Hospital reported three airstrikes in Gaza City on Saturday morning. One attack killed a person and injured several others. This happened despite Trump’s earlier calls for Israel to “immediately stop bombing.”
Palestinians in Gaza have mixed feelings about the peace plan. Some hold onto hope that it could finally end the devastating two-year war. Others worry Hamas might be walking into a trap, fearing Israel could restart attacks once the hostages are returned.
The war between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023. This followed a large ground attack by Hamas that killed about 1,200 Israelis. Hamas also took 251 people hostage. Since then, Gaza has seen over 90% of its homes destroyed. Its people have been displaced many times over. International media still cannot freely enter the area, making it difficult to verify facts from either side.
Source: BBC