Egypt, acting as a mediator in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations, has reportedly received encouraging signals from Israel regarding a new ceasefire proposal that focuses on a transitional phase, according to various security sources.
The proposal includes a plan for Hamas to release five Israeli hostages each week, setting a structured path towards resolution. As part of this effort, a security delegation from Egypt has departed for Qatar, where talks are expected to focus not only on increasing humanitarian aid to the region but also on the release of additional hostages, as reported by state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV.
It’s important to note that violence has surged in Gaza following the breakdown of a January truce on March 18, shattering two months of relative calm.
When asked about the possibility of a breakthrough announcement today, a spokesperson mentioned, “Maybe not yet,” indicating the complexities at play.
While there has been no immediate comment from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office regarding the proposal, a spokesperson indicated that there currently isn’t an Israeli delegation present in Doha.
Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the terms of the previous truce, which had briefly provided a much-needed reprieve for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, a territory that has suffered extensive destruction.
In the midst of this turmoil, Palestinians held anti-Hamas protests in northern Gaza, expressing their frustration and demanding accountability.
At present, Hamas retains custody of 59 individuals from a total of over 250 hostages. The group has accused Israel of undermining mediators’ efforts to negotiate a permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict.
From Israel’s perspective, officials indicate a willingness to consider a temporary extension of the ceasefire, conditional upon the release of more hostages by Hamas. However, they have been cautious not to move into negotiations for a permanent peace agreement at this stage.
Israeli officials have remained firm, stating that they will not accept Hamas’ enduring presence in Gaza. Moreover, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has endorsed Israel’s call to prolong the temporary phase of the ceasefire.
The toll of this conflict has been devastating, with Gaza health officials reporting that more than 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the ongoing violence.
Recently, Palestinian militant groups have issued warnings against individuals aiding Israeli objectives amid a rising tide of protests against Hamas rule in Gaza. In various demonstrations across northern and central regions, some protesters chanted slogans like “Hamas out,” marking a poignant moment of dissent against the organization whose actions have led to dire consequences.
These protests, which have gained attention from the Israeli government, are planned to continue throughout the day.
In a statement, the “Factions of the Resistance,” an umbrella group including Hamas, threatened punitive measures against those perceived as instigating these protests. They asserted, “They persist in blaming the resistance and absolving the occupation, ignoring that the Zionist extermination machine operates nonstop.”
In an unusual turn, Hamas officials have acknowledged the right of individuals to protest; however, they caution that these expressions should not be co-opted for political gain or to absolve Israel of its long history of occupation and conflict in the Palestinian territories.
Some participants in the protests have articulated their weariness, citing a lack of essential resources such as food and water. “We are not against the resistance. We are against war. Enough wars, we are tired,” a resident from Gaza City’s Shejaia neighborhood shared in a message.
Videos, whose authenticity is yet to be confirmed by Reuters, depict significant protests in Shejaia and central Gaza areas, suggesting a broader mobilization against the current state of affairs.
In response to the public outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu viewd the situation as validation of his decision to resume military operations, arguing that it was a necessary step in confronting Hamas.
On the ground, Hamas has reportedly removed police forces from the streets, signaling a reactive stance toward the escalating dissent.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has encouraged Gaza residents to continue voicing their discontent. “Learn from the residents of Beit Lahia,” he mentioned, emphasizing the need to demand Hamas’ removal and the immediate release of all Israeli hostages as a path toward ending the conflict.
A Hamas-affiliated official reiterated that protests are permissible; however, he maintained that collaboration with Israel is unacceptable. He remarked, “Those suspicious figures try to exploit legitimate protests to demand an end to the resistance, which is the same goal as Israel’s.”
In recent developments, Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif Al-Qanoua was killed in an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza, marking yet another loss for the group since the resumption of military actions. The Israeli military has confirmed his death, labeling him as “one of Hamas’ key inciters.” This incident comes on the heels of multiple airstrikes that have resulted in numerous casualties across Gaza.
Reports indicate that at least 30 individuals have died from Israeli strikes today alone, bringing the total death toll of Palestinians to over 50,000 since the onset of hostilities. The conflict reignited following a significant Hamas-led assault on southern Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, which resulted in 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals as hostages.
As the situation continues to evolve, the devastation in Gaza, characterized by widespread destruction, has left countless people displaced and living in perilous conditions.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
