Hamas seeks ceasefire guarantees as scores more are killed in Gaza

 Hamas seeks ceasefire guarantees as scores more are killed in Gaza

Hamas is currently seeking strong guarantees that any new ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States will lead to a complete end to the ongoing war in Gaza. A source close to Hamas confirmed that this demand remains a crucial condition for any agreement to move forward. This development comes as a new American proposal for a 60 day ceasefire gains momentum. The ceasefire plan aims to pause hostilities between Israel and Hamas to allow for negotiations toward ending the war.

Israeli officials expressed optimism that a deal could be reached soon. Two Israeli sources indicated that some aspects of the proposal are still being finalized. US President Donald Trump earlier confirmed that Israel had agreed to the ceasefire terms. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are actively involved in securing US and international assurances to ensure progress toward a lasting peace.

The proposal includes the phased release of 10 Israeli hostages believed to be alive and the return of the bodies of 18 more. In return, Israel would release an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. The remaining hostages in Gaza are estimated to number around 50, with approximately 20 believed to still be alive. If Hamas responds positively by Friday, Israeli representatives plan to join indirect talks to complete the deal. Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to meet Trump in Washington to discuss the way forward.

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Despite the growing hopes for a ceasefire, violence in Gaza shows no signs of slowing. At least 59 Palestinians were killed on Thursday alone as Israeli airstrikes continued across the strip. One particularly deadly strike hit a school in Gaza City that was sheltering displaced families. Witnesses described horrific scenes of fire and collapsed tents. A survivor questioned whether it was fair for so many children to die in such a way.

In southern Gaza, medics at Nasser Hospital reported that at least 20 people were killed near an aid distribution site. These deaths add to a rising civilian toll in a war that has displaced the majority of Gaza's two million residents. Much of the territory now lies in ruins, and hunger is widespread.

The war began in October 2023 when Hamas fighters entered Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Since then, Israel’s military campaign has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel maintains that it will not end the war until Hamas is no longer in control of Gaza and its fighters are disarmed.

Hamas, though significantly weakened, has stated it will not lay down its weapons unconditionally. However, it is willing to release all remaining hostages if Israel agrees to end the war. Meanwhile, the Israeli military says it is reviewing reports of civilian casualties and continues to take steps to limit harm while targeting militants. The humanitarian crisis worsens by the day as diplomatic talks continue.