As Netanyahu promises to recover captives and Trump calls for safety, Hamas demands assurances that a US-backed ceasefire plan will lead to a permanent end to the war.
In the latest development of the ongoing Gaza conflict, Hamas is seeking firm guarantees that a newly proposed US-backed ceasefire will result in a permanent end to hostilities. A source close to the group revealed the demand amid growing international pressure and worsening conditions on the ground.
This diplomatic push comes as former US President Donald Trump voiced his desire for “safety” for the people of Gaza. Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu next week to discuss a pathway toward ceasefire and regional de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have continued unabated. According to the Gaza Civil Defence agency, at least 73 people were killed on Thursday alone. Netanyahu reiterated his government’s commitment to bringing home all Israeli captives still held in Gaza, stating that the offensive will not end until that mission is complete.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that at least 57,130 Palestinians have been killed and 134,592 wounded since the war began. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed and more than 200 taken captive during the October 7, 2023, attacks that ignited the conflict.
Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has accused US-aligned armed groups of targeting and killing hundreds of starving civilians in Gaza. He also criticized the European Union’s failure to take effective action to stop the bloodshed.
As international calls for a ceasefire grow louder, the central question remains: can any new agreement guarantee a lasting peace?