In brief
Hamas has received ideas from the US regarding a ceasefire and is considering their proposals, which include a conditional release of hostages. As Israeli military operations intensify in Gaza City, the humanitarian situation worsens, further complicating diplomatic efforts.
Hamas says it has received some ideas from the US through mediators on how to reach a Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The Palestinian armed group said it was discussing how to develop the ideas, noting that it was ready to release its 48 remaining hostages in Gaza in return for a clear declaration ending the war.
A Palestinian official told the BBC the US plan would see the hostages freed in the first 48 hours of a 60-day truce in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails and good-faith negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
This comes after US President Donald Trump issued what he termed a last warning to Hamas, declaring that Israel has accepted his terms without disclosing specifics.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, indicated willingness to finalize a deal that encompasses the release of all hostages—only 20 of whom are believed alive—and the disarmament of Hamas.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged approximately one million Palestinians residing in Gaza City, which is entering a famine state, to evacuate immediately as military operations escalate.
In the last two days we brought down 50 terrorist high-rises, and this is only the beginning of the ground operation in Gaza City, he stated in a video message.
The ongoing violence has led to significant casualties, with hospitals reporting at least 40 deaths from Israeli airstrikes on Monday, while four Israeli soldiers were confirmed killed in combat actions.
Hamas welcomed the US initiative, emphasizing their readiness to negotiate hostage releases in exchange for a formal declaration to end hostilities, a full exit of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the establishment of an independent governance committee.
The stakes are high as both sides seem to be under pressure to find a resolution amidst deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, highlighted by increasing deaths due to malnutrition and the health crisis growing more severe by the day.
