In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, US President Joe Biden has stated that a ceasefire deal could be reached if Hamas releases all 128 hostages it has held captive since the October 7 massacre. Biden made these remarks at a fundraising event in Seattle, highlighting that Israel is willing to cease hostilities if the hostages are freed.
The breakdown in talks between Hamas and Israel has heightened tensions, with both sides unable to find common ground. Despite Hamas accepting a proposal, Israel rejected it, leading to further deadlock. This impasse has only served to escalate the conflict, leaving both parties entrenched in their positions.
The conflict was sparked by the October 7 massacre, during which approximately 3,000 terrorists launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people. During the chaos, Hamas captured 252 hostages, subjecting them to acts of brutality.
While some hostages have been released, around 128 remain in captivity in Gaza, with uncertainty surrounding their fate.
Israeli efforts to rescue the hostages have been ongoing, with the IDF confirming the deaths of 36 individuals still held by Hamas.
In addition, Hamas continues to hold the bodies of IDF soldiers Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, as well as two Israeli civilians, Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed.
The situation remains dire as both sides remain at an impasse, with the prospect of a ceasefire contingent on the release of hostages by Hamas. Despite international efforts to broker peace, the conflict shows no signs of abating, leaving many civilians caught in the crossfire and communities devastated by violence and loss.
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