In a recent development, Israel has put forward a proposal to Hamas for a week-long cessation of hostilities in Gaza in exchange for the release of 40 hostages. The hostages, which include women, the elderly, and those in urgent need, are part of a deal presented to Hamas through Qatari mediators, as reported by CNN citing Axios.
Israeli Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, has acknowledged Israel’s willingness to pause the fighting to maximize the release of hostages. However, he stopped short of confirming a finalized deal, stating, “I think it’s premature to tell whether or not we have a deal because, until now, Hamas refused to do another deal.”
Hamas insists on a ceasefire before releasing more hostages, complicating the diplomatic efforts. This development comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing military actions by the Israeli military, as reported by the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, have resulted in nearly 20,000 deaths and over 52,000 injuries since October 7. Simultaneously, airstrikes have devastated much of northern Gaza, leading to the displacement of almost 1.9 million people, constituting more than 80 percent of the enclave’s population, according to the United Nations.
UNICEF spokesperson James Elder expressed deep concern about the safety of children and families in Gaza’s hospitals, emphasizing that they are not secure amid the recent shelling. “Over the past 48 hours, the largest remaining fully functioning hospital was shelled twice,” Elder said in Geneva, highlighting the challenges faced by children and families seeking safety.
Deteriorating Conditions in Safe Zones
Elder raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions in designated safe zones, warning that they are becoming areas of disease due to the lack of water, sanitation, and shelter. He cautioned that if this situation persists, child deaths from disease could surpass those caused by bombardments.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have maintained their position that hospitals are not intentionally targeted, emphasizing their focus on what they term “Hamas strongholds.” Conversely, Hamas denies accusations of using Gaza hospitals for its operations.
The ongoing diplomatic efforts and the complex situation on the ground underscore the urgent need for a resolution to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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