Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City have reportedly decreased, according to statements from both local officials and the Israeli military. On Saturday, the director of Shifa Hospital, Mohamed Abu Selmiyah, informed the Associated Press that five Palestinians were killed across Gaza City despite the reduction in bombing activity. This development comes shortly after a statement from the Israeli army, which indicated that while airstrikes have subsided, no forces have been withdrawn from the territory.
The timing of this announcement coincides with a directive from President Donald Trump, who has urged Israel to halt its bombardment following a statement from Hamas indicating acceptance of key elements of his peace proposal. Trump expressed optimism about the situation, stating, “I believe they are ready for a lasting peace.” His push for a resolution comes just days ahead of the second anniversary of the conflict that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a significant attack on Israel.
In response to growing pressure from the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel is committed to concluding the conflict. Netanyahu issued a rare late-night statement on the Sabbath, outlining preparations for Trump’s plan, although no specific timeline for negotiations has been established. An official close to the negotiations mentioned that a team is being organized to engage in talks, with a senior Egyptian official confirming that US envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the American negotiating team.
These talks aim to address the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. The discussions are expected to include maps delineating the proposed withdrawal of Israeli forces from specific areas of Gaza. According to the anonymous official, Arab mediators are also preparing for broader dialogues among Palestinians to unify their stance concerning Gaza’s future.
The outlined plan stipulates that Hamas would release the remaining 48 hostages—approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive—within three days. In return, Israel would cease its military operations and withdraw from significant portions of Gaza. Additionally, the plan includes provisions for releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and allowing humanitarian aid to flow into the region for eventual reconstruction.
While Hamas has indicated a willingness to release hostages and transfer power to other Palestinian factions, it has not fully agreed to disarmament, a critical aspect of the proposed arrangement. Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general and chairman of Israel’s Defence and Security Forum, noted that while Israel could temporarily halt its military actions to facilitate the release of hostages, it would resume operations if Hamas fails to disarm.
Critics of Hamas argue that despite its willingness to negotiate, the group’s fundamental position remains unchanged. Oded Ailam, a researcher at the Jerusalem Centre for Security and Foreign Affairs, described Hamas’s response as “yes, but” rhetoric, suggesting that it simply repackages existing demands in softer language.
As the situation unfolds, residents in Gaza are left grappling with the implications of the proposed plan. “I hope Hamas ends the war, because we are truly tired,” expressed Mohammad Shaat from Khan Younis, reflecting the sentiments of many who navigate the damaged and chaotic landscape of their daily lives. The potential for peace remains uncertain, yet the decreasing intensity of airstrikes offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing turmoil.
