Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that current efforts to establish a ceasefire in Gaza are leaning towards a comprehensive agreement that would secure the simultaneous release of all remaining hostages. According to reports from Arab officials, Egypt and Qatar are working on a fresh framework aiming for this single large-scale hostage release in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Although there was a breakdown in negotiations last month, a Hamas delegation recently appeared in Cairo for discussions, suggesting that talks have not entirely stalled after nearly two years of conflict. Israel has threatened to expand its military operations against Hamas into areas of Gaza currently without their control, an action that has drawn both international condemnation and internal criticism, possibly aimed at pressuring Hamas into accepting ceasefire conditions.
As of now, Hamas retains about 50 hostages from the October 7 attack, with Israel believing around 20 of these individuals are alive. In a recent interview, Netanyahu expressed doubt about pursuing a partial ceasefire deal, suggesting that past negotiations had been misleading. He emphasised the necessity of securing the release of all hostages—both living and deceased—before any resolution, insisting that Israeli military control would continue indefinitely unless comprehensive security guarantees are met.
Meanwhile, Hamas insists that it will only release the hostages in exchange for a complete deal that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli exit from Gaza. The militant group remains firm in its refusal to disarm, which Israel has stipulated as a condition.
In tandem with the ongoing military and diplomatic tensions, the United Nations has warned of worsening starvation and malnutrition in Gaza, the worst levels recorded since the war commenced. Reports indicate that five individuals died from malnutrition and starvation within a single day, with the UN noting that humanitarian aid entering Gaza is grossly insufficient to address the urgent needs of its populace. The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 220 deaths related to malnutrition since the conflict escalated.
While Israel questions the credibility of casualty figures provided by the Hamas-led Gaza Health Ministry, they have yet to offer alternative data. This intricate scenario highlights the endeavors for a ceasefire amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions, with both parties entrenched in their positions.