Defense Ministry of Israel endorses strategy for capturing Gaza City
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a new truce proposal has emerged under increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This proposal, which is said to be "almost identical" to an earlier version agreed by Israel, includes an initial 60-day truce, a staggered hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners, and provisions for aid entry into Gaza.
The proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi expressed the possibility of reaching an agreement, but the outcome depends on Netanyahu. Egypt, backed by the United States, has mediated the frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy, with Qatar also playing a significant role.
However, the plan piles pressure on Hamas as mediators seek a ceasefire in the nearly two-year war in Gaza. The Israeli military has been operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities and taking precautions to mitigate civilian harm, but the offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 62,064 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.
The latest truce proposal comes after Israel's security cabinet approved plans to conquer Gaza City, despite fears it will worsen the humanitarian crisis. Around 60,000 reservists have been authorized for the operation, and the Israeli military later confirmed a strike in Khan Yunis targeted a Hamas militant.
In the Zikim area of northern Gaza, AFP journalists witnessed Palestinians carrying food aid along dusty roads lined with rubble and damaged buildings. Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defense agency, stated the situation in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods of Gaza City is "very dangerous and unbearable" due to intermittent shelling.
Gazan Shawg Al-Badri stated that a sack of flour, referred to as "white gold", is worth the whole world to her family. On Tuesday, Israeli strikes and fire in Gaza resulted in the death of 48 people, as reported by the civil defense agency. Egypt stated that "the ball is now in Israel's court".
France and Saudi Arabia have launched an initiative related to a two-state solution, and more than 20 countries are involved in other related regional issues. However, besides Qatar and Egypt, no other specific countries are mentioned as actively trying to engage as mediators or referees to facilitate a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas in the provided search results.
The latest truce proposal comes under pressure on Netanyahu due to increasing pressure at home and abroad. The Israeli military declined to comment on specific troop movements, but the ongoing conflict continues to take a heavy toll on both Israelis and Palestinians.
