Hamas has rejected Israel’s latest proposal for a six-week ceasefire in Gaza, which included a demand for the group to disarm. A senior Palestinian official stated that the proposal lacked commitments to end the war or withdraw Israeli troops from Gaza—key conditions for Hamas. The official described the disarmament demand as a “million red lines” for Hamas.
Israel’s proposal included the release of 10 living hostages, approximately half of those believed to be alive, in exchange for the ceasefire. Notably, Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander was among those proposed for release. Hamas has indicated willingness to release more hostages under a longer ceasefire but insists on a complete end to hostilities and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Intensifying Humanitarian Crisis
The United Nations has warned that Gaza is facing its worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict began 18 months ago. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that no supplies have entered Gaza for over six weeks, leading to severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies.
The blockade has resulted in a 90% drop in electricity availability, impacting hospital operations, water treatment, and sanitation services. The World Health Organization reported that by November 2023, 27 out of 35 hospitals in Gaza were shut down.
Attacks on Medical Facilities
Israeli airstrikes have targeted medical facilities in Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. On April 15, an Israeli missile strike on the Kuwaiti Field Hospital in al-Mawasi killed a medic and wounded nine others. Two days earlier, the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City was also struck, rendering it out of service. The United Nations condemned these attacks, emphasizing that medical facilities must be protected under international humanitarian law.
Hostage Situation and Negotiations
Hamas claims to have lost contact with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander following an Israeli airstrike. Alexander, captured on October 7, 2023, is believed to be the last living American hostage in Gaza.
Negotiations for a new ceasefire continue, with Egypt and Qatar mediating between Israel and Hamas. An Egyptian official stated that the current proposal could lead to the release of 11 living hostages and the transfer of 16 coffins of deceased hostages in exchange for a 70-day ceasefire.
International Response and Political Dynamics
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently visited northern Gaza, reaffirming his commitment to continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled. He faces internal political pressure from hardline coalition partners who oppose ending the war without achieving this objective.
Meanwhile, international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have urged Israel to agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The Information is Collected from BBC and Yahoo.
