In the latest development in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel, Hamas has expressed a willingness to reach a comprehensive agreement, which includes a potential hostage exchange deal, given that Israel ceases its ongoing offensive in Rafah.
Israel has continued its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, brushing aside an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order to halt its attacks in the southern Gaza city. Israel is doing the same with an objective of rescuing hostages and eliminating Hamas militants, who have been taking human shields in the city.
Israel has historically rejected Hamas’ offers as insufficient and remains focused on dismantling a group it sees as dedicated to its destruction.
Negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have repeatedly stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the lack of progress. The conflict began on October 7 when the Hamas terror group attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 1,100 Israeli deaths and the capture of more than 240 people.
A previous round of negotiations in November led to the release of about 100 captives in exchange for Hamas militants held in Israeli jails, but talks have since stalled.
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