Hamas announced on Monday, 15 April 2024, that it received a new ceasefire proposal from Israel, aimed at alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The plan includes a 45-day truce contingent upon the release of hostages held by militants, who are now facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
Ceasefire Terms and Hostage Negotiations
The ceasefire proposal, relayed by Egyptian mediators, suggests that Israel wants to secure the release of the remaining hostages—58 individuals, 34 of whom are reported dead—held by Hamas. In exchange, the militants would need to agree to a temporary halt in hostilities.
- Initial release of 10 living hostages, including a man named Alexander.
- A 45-day ceasefire followed by negotiations for an extended truce.
- Conditions for disarmament of Hamas and allied factions, termed a ‘red line’ by the group.
The Humanitarian Situation
According to the United Nations, Gaza is in a humanitarian crisis worse than it has been in the past 18 months, with essential supplies such as medical resources and food critically low. Aid operations have been heavily restricted since March 2024, affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands.
International Response
Several world leaders, including Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas and French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for an immediate ceasefire and the expedited delivery of humanitarian aid. Macron has expressed a desire to see a Palestinian state recognised by France and other nations, a move met with strong opposition from Israel.
As the situation evolves, Hamas remains cautious yet open to negotiations, although they maintain that disarmament is non-negotiable. The next steps will depend heavily on the responses from both Hamas and Israel, particularly in the coming days.