Hamas says it is ready to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for a full ceasefire and a five-year truce in Gaza.
The group’s proposal also calls for an end to the war, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, a major prisoner swap, and a large increase in humanitarian aid.
According to Reuters, the group rejects any “partial” deals that include laying down arms and wants a full agreement covering their demands.
High-Level Hamas Delegation Holds Talks in Cairo
A senior Hamas delegation, led by Chairman Muhammad Darwish and leaders Khaled Meshaal and Khalil al-Hayya, met with Egyptian mediators on Saturday.
In a statement, Hamas said the talks focused on finding a “comprehensive” solution that includes humanitarian relief and rebuilding Gaza.
The delegation has now left Cairo, but both sides agreed to stay in touch and keep discussions going.
Israel Demands Hostage Return and Disarmament Before Ceasefire
Israel says any agreement must include the return of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, conditions that Hamas rejects.
In early April, Hamas had already rejected an Israeli proposal offering a 45-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 living captives, calling it “partial.”
Meanwhile, Israel’s blockade of Gaza, in place since March 2, continues to cut off food, medicine, and basic supplies, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Reaches Breaking Point
The UN says Gaza has now run out of food after two months under blockade.
The World Food Programme delivered its last food supplies to charity kitchens on April 25, and these kitchens could shut down completely within days.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, people in Gaza are now facing genocide not only from airstrikes but also from starvation and lack of medicine.
Israeli Airstrikes Continue as Palestinian Casualties Rise
Since Israel resumed its military offensive on March 18, at least 2,111 Palestinians have been killed.
This brings Gaza’s total death toll since October 2023 to over 51,000, according to Palestinian health officials.
Over the past weekend alone, Israeli strikes reportedly killed at least 35 more people.
Conclusion
While Hamas is pushing for a complete and lasting end to the genocide, Israeli leaders are determined to continue military operations until Gaza is demilitarized and all hostages are freed.
No major progress has been made yet, but with talks still ongoing, the coming days could be critical for Gaza’s future.
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