The Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has declared that they will not participate in new negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza unless mediators present a plan based on previous talks. Hamas has requested that the mediators implement what was agreed upon in July 2024, following President Biden’s vision and a UN Security Council resolution. The group has accused Israel of not being serious about pursuing a cease-fire agreement, citing the assassination of its leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran as evidence. Hamas is urging mediators to submit a plan based on previous agreements rather than engaging in new negotiations or proposals that provide cover for Israeli aggression.
President Biden has expressed his belief that a deal including the release of 115 hostages is still possible for both sides. Biden mentioned that the plan he put together, which has been endorsed by the G7 and the UN Security Council, remains viable. He emphasized that efforts are being made to prevent the situation from escalating into a regional war. However, he acknowledged the ease with which such a scenario could occur. Meanwhile, an Israeli senior official involved in negotiations has criticized Hamas’ announcement as a tactical move, preparing for a potential attack by Iran and Hezbollah and attempting to secure better terms for a deal. The official warned that if Hamas does not engage in negotiations, Israel will continue to target their forces in Gaza.
The Israeli military has issued more evacuation orders in southern Gaza following a deadly airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in the north that resulted in at least 80 Palestinian casualties. The evacuation orders apply to areas in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, including a part of an Israeli-declared humanitarian zone from which rockets had been fired. Israel has accused Hamas and other militants of using civilians as shields and launching attacks from residential areas. The ongoing conflict began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel in 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of approximately 250 people. Israeli authorities fear that many of the remaining hostages are likely deceased. The death toll in Gaza, as reported by Hamas-run Health Ministry, is nearing 40,000, without distinguishing between civilians and combatants.
The protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised concerns of triggering a regional war as Israel has engaged in exchanges of fire with Iran and its allies across the region. The situation remains tense as Hamas refuses to enter new negotiations without a plan based on prior agreements. President Biden continues to work towards a resolution that includes the release of hostages, noting the importance of preventing the conflict from escalating further. Israel has vowed to continue targeting Hamas forces in Gaza if negotiations are not pursued. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life and widespread destruction in Gaza, with both sides facing accusations of using aggressive tactics in the pursuit of their goals. The international community remains engaged in efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution to the crisis, but challenges persist in finding common ground between the parties involved.
