Conflict erupts in the Middle East - Hamas seeks an immediate permanent truce.
During informal discussions between Israel and the radical Islamist group Hamas for resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the main sticking point has become the duration of a possible truce.
From the outset, Hamas has insisted on a permanent ceasefire, as per a report by The Times of Israel, quoting two sources closely connected to the matter. Contrastingly, Israel's government initially seeks only a temporary ceasefire in order to free more detainees held in the Gaza Strip. Hamas fears that the Israeli army could resume fighting after the release of some hostages remaining there. Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu repeated that the war will not end until Israel's goals, such as dismantling the Hamas' military capabilities, are achieved.
Debate over ceasefire duration
In late May, President of the United States, Joe Biden unexpectedly proposed a three-phase plan for a ceasefire, which includes a temporary ceasefire where female, elderly, and ill Israeli hostages will be released. In return, Israeli prisoners in Palestine would also be freed. Then, the fighting would permanently end, enabling the remaining hostages to leave. And finally, rebuilding of the Gaza Strip would commence.
The UN Security Council has already endorsed this plan and recently passed a resolution. However, the Hamas has submitted several amendment proposals. Yet, the Israeli government hasn't admitted to the US plan unreservedly.
According to a report published by Israeli television channel 13, the Hamas additionally demands the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip in the first phase and Israel can't veto the selection of Palestinian prisoners to be released. "This is the most radical response the Hamas could have given," the station quoted an Israeli official. "Under these conditions, it's challenging to start a negotiation."
Blinken: Certain amendment suggestions are unfeasible
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken labelled some of the Hamas' amendment proposals unfeasible on Tuesday during a visit to Doha. "Some of the changes can be realized, some cannot," he stated following a meeting with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Blinken declined to elaborate further.
Qatar is hoping to "foster understanding" and push Israel and Hamas towards a ceasefire, Al Thani claimed. "We hope this phase lasts as briefly as possible." Mediation efforts are being undertaken by Qatar and the United States, as Israel and Hamas are not engaged in direct talks.
Details on the treatment of hostages in Gaza emerge
Hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip had undergone intense suffering. Keith's mother, mother of hostage Andrey Kozlov, revealed to the Israeli broadcaster Kan that he had been subject to torture, shackled for two months, and forced to endure sweltering heat by being covered in several blankets.
The WHO expresses concerns about imminent hunger crisis in Gaza
Due to the dire food supply scenario in the Gaza Strip, the World Health Organization (WHO) cautions of a potential worsening of the humanitarian situation. Many people in the area are "subject to catastrophic hunger" and live in circumstances akin to famine, stated WHO Director, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Among more than 8,000 children under five years of age, acute malnutrition has been detected. The outlook remains bleak, he added: "Despite reports of increased food distribution, there's no evidence yet that the needy are receiving adequate quantities and quality of food."
A jailer has been described as particularly brutal. The girlfriend of Kozlov testified to the Israeli broadcast Channel 12 that he had been deprived of food at times and subjected to severe mental anguish. Some of his experiences he would never reveal to his mom.
Read also:
- Hamas advocates for an immediate and permanent settlement of the conflict in Gaza, aiming for a ceasefire.
- The duration of a potential ceasefire is a contentious issue, with Hamas pushing for permanence and Israel seeking a temporary truce.
- Under the temporary ceasefire proposed by President Biden, Israeli hostages in Gaza would be released, followed by a permanent ceasefire and the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip.
- The UN Security Council has endorsed Biden's plan, but Hamas has proposed several amendments, which Israel has yet to fully accept.
- The Hamas also demands the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip and the release of Palestinian prisoners in the first phase, which Israel finds challenging.
- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeled some of the Hamas' amendment proposals as unfeasible during a meeting with his Qatari counterpart.
- Qatar is seeking to facilitate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, aiming for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict.
- Hostages recently freed from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip testified to intense suffering, including torture, shackling, and sweltering heat.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns about an imminent hunger crisis in Gaza due to a dire food supply situation.
- Detailed reports reveal that some children under five years old in Gaza are battling acute malnutrition, with the outlook remaining bleak.
- According to a hostage's girlfriend, Kozlov was deprived of food at times and subjected to severe mental anguish while in Hamas captivity.
- Israel and Hamas are not engaged in direct talks, with mediation efforts being undertaken by Qatar and the United States to advocate for a ceasefire and resolution to the conflicts in the Middle East.
