The fate of the 120 remaining hostages in Gaza is crucial to any deal to end the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas. A senior Hamas official has stated that the status of the hostages remains unknown, emphasizing that any agreement must include guarantees of a permanent ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
In recent interviews, Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan shed light on the group's stance in the ceasefire negotiations, expressing the need for clear commitments from Israel. The US has urged Hamas to end the conflict, emphasizing the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
Negotiations over a US-backed ceasefire proposal have faced challenges, with Hamas seeking assurances of a permanent end to hostilities. The proposed plan outlines a phased approach, including a temporary ceasefire and eventual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
While Israel has not publicly committed to the deal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated support for the proposal. The blame for stalled negotiations has been placed on Hamas by US officials.
The conflict, triggered by an attack on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza. Hamas maintains that their actions were in response to Israeli occupation.
Concerns have been raised about the well-being of hostages in Gaza, with conflicting reports on their condition. Hamas denies allegations of mistreatment and emphasizes the impact of Israeli actions on civilians.
Efforts to reach a lasting ceasefire and secure the release of hostages continue amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas.
