Gaza Cease-fire Hope: Israel’s Endorsement Sparks Negotiation Push
Israel appears to have signaled support for a proposed framework for a Gaza cease-fire and the release of hostages, leaving the decision in the hands of Hamas, according to a senior U.S. administration official on Saturday, ahead of scheduled talks in Egypt to finalize the agreement.
A U.S. official informed CBS News that a six-week cease-fire proposal is on the table, contingent upon Hamas releasing vulnerable hostages, including the sick, wounded, elderly, and women.
The official emphasized the urgency of achieving a cease-fire in Gaza, stating that Israel has largely accepted the framework deal. The proposed cease-fire would commence immediately if Hamas agrees to the terms.
Both Israeli and Hamas officials have yet to comment on the reported framework.
During the Cairo talks set to commence on Sunday, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, Hamas is expected to provide a response, as per a senior Egyptian official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.
International mediators have been striving for weeks to broker a pause in the conflict before the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in early March. A cease-fire would also facilitate the delivery of aid to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in northern Gaza facing dire humanitarian conditions.
The previous one-week cease-fire in late November resulted in the release of approximately 100 hostages, primarily women, children, and foreign nationals, in exchange for around 240 Palestinians held by Israel, accompanied by a brief cessation of hostilities.
The urgency for a resolution is underscored by the worsening plight of hundreds of thousands in northern Gaza, where residents are struggling to find sustenance amidst rubble and scarcity. Reports indicate cases of starvation and malnutrition, with at least 10 children succumbing to hunger-related illnesses.
The desperation culminated in a tragic incident on Thursday, with at least 115 Palestinians killed and hundreds wounded in a stampede for aid. While Israel contends that many casualties resulted from a chaotic surge toward its forces, the European Union has called for an international investigation, suggesting Israeli army fire contributed to the casualties.
In response to the crisis, President Biden announced on Friday that U.S. military forces, in collaboration with Jordan and Egypt, would commence airdrops of food aid into Gaza. The first drop, conducted on Saturday morning, aims to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation exacerbated by the conflict.
The death toll from the war in Gaza has surged to over 30,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with women and children comprising the majority of casualties.
