Israel is reviewing a new response from Hamas regarding a proposed ceasefire and hostage-release deal, as fighting continues to escalate in the Gaza Strip. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Thursday that they are assessing the revised proposal.
Hamas, the group controlling Gaza, has acknowledged submitting a new plan but has kept the details under wraps. Earlier this week, a previous version was reportedly rejected by mediators for being insufficient.
Both sides face intense pressure, both domestically and internationally, to reach an agreement. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has become dire, with widespread hunger causing alarm around the world.
Local media reports suggest that an Israeli official described the new proposal as something they could potentially work with. However, other sources indicate that significant gaps remain between the two parties, including disagreements over where Israeli forces should be positioned during any potential truce.
A Palestinian official involved in the talks told reporters that Hamas’s latest position is “flexible and positive,” taking into account the severe suffering in Gaza and the urgent need to alleviate starvation.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening. According to local health authorities, several people have died due to malnutrition in recent weeks. The World Health Organization reported that 21 children under the age of five have died from malnutrition so far this year.
On Thursday, the Gaza health ministry announced two more deaths linked to malnutrition. The head of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City noted that the victims were patients with other illnesses who had gone without food for several days.
Israel, which imposed severe restrictions on supplies entering Gaza earlier this year, asserts that it is committed to allowing humanitarian aid into the region. Officials claim they must regulate the flow of goods to prevent them from being seized by militant groups.
While Israel states it has allowed sufficient food into Gaza, it blames delays in distribution on the United Nations. The UN, however, explains that it is operating under challenging conditions imposed by Israeli restrictions.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has persisted, causing significant casualties and displacement. Efforts by international mediators aim to broker a ceasefire and address the worsening humanitarian situation.
U.S. Middle East peace envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Europe this week for discussions on the conflict and other regional issues. An Israeli official indicated that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer might meet with Witkoff if progress is made in narrowing the differences over ceasefire terms.
Hamas is reportedly seeking a withdrawal of Israeli troops to previous positions and the delivery of aid under United Nations supervision. Mediators continue to encourage both sides to find common ground to halt the violence and ease the suffering of civilians.
