Ceasefire Talks Continue Amid Escalating Israeli Strikes and Mounting Humanitarian Catastrophe
After weeks of stalled negotiations, Hamas announced on Thursday morning that it had formally submitted a response to ceasefire mediators, signaling a possible step forward in efforts to halt the devastating conflict in Gaza. The group said the proposal reflected not only its own stance but that of other Palestinian factions.
According to reports from AFP, the response includes proposed amendments concerning key points of contention: conditions for humanitarian aid delivery, withdrawal areas for Israeli forces, and guarantees for a permanent end to the war. Israeli officials confirmed they are currently reviewing the proposal.
Despite this diplomatic movement, violence on the ground continues unabated. On Wednesday alone, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 77 Palestinians, including 25 civilians seeking aid, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera. The situation has intensified what international observers call a man-made humanitarian crisis.
A coalition of 109 aid agencies issued a joint statement warning of “mass starvation” in Gaza, urging an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access. The warning comes as Gaza remains under severe blockade conditions, with vital supplies of food, water, and medicine still restricted.
Meanwhile, Brazil announced it is nearing the final stages of joining South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case accuses Israel of committing genocide in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza — a legal and diplomatic escalation that adds further pressure on the Israeli government.
The conflict has taken a devastating human toll. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 59,219 people have been killed and over 143,045 wounded since October 2023. The war began after Hamas-led attacks on Israel killed approximately 1,139 people and resulted in the abduction of over 200 hostages.
As negotiations teeter between progress and collapse, the people of Gaza remain trapped in a worsening crisis — caught between diplomacy, devastation, and the hope for peace.