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الوسم: hostages

  • Key Highlights of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

    Key Highlights of the Israel-Hamas Conflict

    A U.S. president announced that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of a peace plan for Gaza after over two years of conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis.

    Key moments in the ongoing conflict include:

    Hamas Attacks
    On October 7, 2023, hundreds of Hamas militants infiltrated southern Israel at dawn, launching an assault on Israeli towns and a desert music festival with gunfire, rockets, and grenades. The attack led to the deaths of 1,219 Israelis, primarily civilians, according to official Israeli data compiled by AFP. The militants also took 251 hostages back to Gaza, with Israeli forces reporting that 47 remain, many of whom are believed to be deceased.

    Ground Offensive
    Following the attack, Israel began intensive bombing and a blockade of Gaza. On October 13, the Israeli military urged civilians in northern Gaza to relocate to the south. Nearly all residents have been displaced during the escalation, as per United Nations estimates. Israel launched a ground invasion on October 27, leading to a devastating toll: more than two years later, the death toll in Gaza has reached at least 67,183, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry, a figure supported by credible UN sources. The death count includes a majority of women and children, though distinctions between civilians and combatants are unclear.

    Truce and Hostage Negotiations
    A week-long ceasefire began on November 24, during which Hamas released 105 hostages—mostly Israelis, with some Thai workers—in exchange for 240 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. When hostilities recommenced, Israel intensified military operations in southern Gaza.

    Regional Impacts and Escalations
    On April 13, 2024, Iran launched drones and missile attacks against Israel for the first time on its soil, retaliating for an assault on its Damascus consulate, which Israel is accused of orchestrating. Subsequently, Israel bombed a Yemeni port on July 20, following a drone strike targeting Tel Aviv, claimed by Iran-backed Huthi rebels in solidarity with Gaza. In September, an Israeli operation caused explosions among hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah in Lebanon, resulting in 39 deaths and thousands wounded. Israel also intensified its aerial campaign in Lebanon and, on September 27, killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in southern Beirut. A few days later, Israel launched a ground attack in southern Lebanon. On October 1, Iran responded by firing 200 missiles at Israel, in retaliation for Nasrallah’s killing and the July assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil.

    International Legal Actions and Ceasefires
    On November 14, a UN special committee characterized Israel’s actions in Gaza as “consistent with genocide,” a claim Israel disputes as biased. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants on November 21 for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif—Iraqi sources later confirm Deif’s death in subsequent months.

    On January 19, 2025, a prolonged ceasefire commenced, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return home. By March 1, 33 Israeli hostages were freed in exchange for approximately 1,800 Palestinians. Humanitarian aid was temporarily permitted into Gaza but was halted after a day amid ongoing conflict.

    Conflict with Iran and Further Clashes
    In June, Israel launched strikes against Iranian nuclear and military sites, igniting a 12-day war. The United States entered the conflict, attacking three Iranian nuclear facilities, before a fragile ceasefire was brokered. Later in September, Israel targeted Hamas figures in Qatar, prompting international condemnation following strikes in Doha. Israel’s military then launched a major ground assault on Gaza City.

    Peace Initiatives and Future Prospects
    On October 8, President Trump announced a deal between Israel and Hamas, marking the first step toward peace. The agreement involves the release of all hostages, redeployment of Israeli troops to a designated boundary, and the reopening of aid to Gaza, which faces imminent famine according to the UN.

  • Hamas Approves New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, Says Official

    Hamas Approves New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal, Says Official

    Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire plan in Gaza without requesting any modifications, according to a group source told AFP on Monday, following renewed diplomatic efforts to end over 22 months of hostilities.

    Egypt and Qatar, supported by the United States, have been working to broker a lasting ceasefire amid a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. After receiving a new proposal from mediators, Hamas indicated it was open to negotiations.

    “Hamas has responded to the mediators, confirming that Hamas and other factions accept the new ceasefire proposal as is—no amendments needed,” the source said anonymously. Israel has yet to comment on the development.

    A Palestinian insider involved in the talks mentioned that mediators are “anticipated to declare that an agreement has been reached and to set a date for renewed discussions,” adding that assurances are included to ensure the agreement’s implementation and to work toward a long-term solution.

    Another Palestinian official mentioned that mediators proposed an initial 60-day ceasefire with hostage releases in two phases. This comes after Israel’s security cabinet approved plans to expand military operations into Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, which has drawn international criticism and internal opposition.

    An Islamic Jihad representative shared with AFP that the 60-day truce would see the release of ten Israeli hostages alive, along with some bodies, during the first phase. Out of 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack, 49 remain detained in Gaza, including 27 believed dead by the Israeli military.

    The Islamic Jihad source added that the remaining captives would be released later in a second phase, with negotiations for a broader settlement continuing. They claimed that all factions favor the Egyptian and Qatari proposal.

    U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!!” He emphasized that the sooner this occurs, the better the chances of success.

    Last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would agree to an agreement releasing all hostages at once under their conditions to end the war.

    Meanwhile, in Gaza, footage from Khan Yunis showed mourners kneeling over the bodies of loved ones who died seeking aid the previous day—a tragic scene repeated amid ongoing conflict.

    Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, visiting the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Monday, said Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was visiting to strengthen current efforts aimed at pressuring both sides toward a deal.

    Abdelatty highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over two million residents face famine and other crises, urging for swift agreement. “The current conditions on the ground are beyond what anyone could imagine,” he stated.

    Egypt also expressed a willingness to join an international force if backed by a UN Security Council resolution and accompanied by a political framework.

    On the ground, Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that Israeli forces killed at least 11 people Monday across the territory, including six in the south. The Israeli military, contacted by AFP, denied knowledge of any casualties from their fire in those areas. Due to media restrictions and limited access, independent verification of these reports remains challenging.

    Amnesty International accused Israel of deliberately starving Gaza and systematically destroying Palestinian social fabric and health systems, while Israel denies intentionally causing such suffering despite tight aid restrictions.

    Since Hamas’s October attack, which claimed 1,219 Israeli lives, Israel’s military operations have resulted in the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

  • Trump’s envoy proposes Gaza ceasefire plan amid rising Israel tensions

    Trump’s envoy proposes Gaza ceasefire plan amid rising Israel tensions

    Hamas claims there will be no disarmament unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. They state that they will not give up their weapons otherwise. The group, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 but has been heavily militarily damaged by Israel, insists it will continue armed resistance.

    Negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages recently ended without agreement. Meanwhile, Hamas has released a second video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who appears gaunt and is seen digging a hole, claiming it is for his own grave.

    David’s brother, Ilay, warned at a rally in Tel Aviv supporting the hostages that they are on the verge of death and may only have days left to live under their harsh conditions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the situation, stating the international community cannot remain silent over the graphic images of hostage suffering, including starvation.

    Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, visited Israel and spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a recording reviewed by Reuters, Witkoff said they are working on a comprehensive plan with Israel for Gaza’s reconstruction, which would effectively end the war. The White House did not respond immediately to request for details on his comments.

    Witkoff also mentioned that Hamas might disarm to end the conflict, though the group has consistently refused to surrender its weapons. Hamas reiterated its stance that it will maintain “armed resistance” until an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is achieved.

    Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, seeking a ceasefire and hostage releases, concluded last week without progress. On Saturday, Hamas released another video of Evyatar David, showing him in a depleted state, claiming he is preparing his own burial site.

    His brother, Ilay, emphasized at a rally that the hostages are in dire condition, with some only days away from death. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Sa’ar, demanded the world condemn the hostage abuses, including starvation.

    In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, Witkoff visited aid agencies in southern Gaza, where the UN has criticized the partial aid efforts and called for increased access. Gaza’s health ministry reports recent deaths from malnutrition following Israel’s blockade of supplies for nearly three months.

    Israel blames Hamas for Gaza’s suffering and claims it is taking steps to facilitate aid, such as pausing fighting during parts of the day, conducting air drops, and establishing routes for convoys. However, UN officials say these measures are insufficient, and much more aid needs to be allowed in by land to prevent further tragedy.

    The conflict erupted when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. Currently, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only around 20 believed to be alive.