Israel and Hamas make final push for Gaza ceasefire deal

In Doha, negotiators from Israel and Hamas are making a significant effort to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza. This comes as families of hostages are urging the Israeli government to secure the release of their loved ones. Reports have emerged suggesting that a breakthrough may have occurred, with unnamed Israeli officials indicating that Hamas has accepted the latest proposal put forth by mediators from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. However, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly refuted these claims, and there has been no immediate response from Hamas regarding the situation. On Tuesday night, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that they were 'on the brink' of reaching an agreement and were simply waiting for 'final word from Hamas. ' A senior official from Hamas later informed Reuters that they had not yet provided an official response to the draft because Israel had not submitted maps detailing how its troops would withdraw from Gaza. Nevertheless, an Israeli source cited by Haaretz denied Hamas's assertion about the maps. The proposed agreement consists of three phases, beginning with an initial six-week ceasefire. A Palestinian official disclosed to the BBC that Hamas would release three hostages on the first day of the agreement, after which Israel would commence the withdrawal of its troops from populated areas. Additional hostage releases would be staggered over the following weeks, with Israel allowing displaced residents to return to northern regions. Israel anticipates that 33 hostages will be released during the first phase, and in exchange, they will release a yet-to-be-determined number of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails. Negotiations for the second phase, which aims to secure the release of the remaining hostages, a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, and a 'sustainable calm,' are expected to commence after two weeks. A spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry expressed optimism on Tuesday, stating that there were no significant issues hindering the deal and that he hoped the discussions would 'very soon lead to an agreement. ' However, he also cautioned that even 'the most minor detail' could potentially derail the process. The Israeli military has been conducting operations against Hamas since the group's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 individuals taken hostage. Since that time, more than 46,700 people have reportedly died in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The humanitarian situation is dire, with the majority of the 2. 3 million population displaced and facing severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter due to the challenges in delivering aid to those in need. Israel claims that 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with 34 presumed dead. Additionally, there are four Israelis who were abducted prior to the conflict, two of whom are confirmed deceased. Relatives of the remaining hostages have implored the Israeli government to take all necessary measures to secure a deal and bring their loved ones home. Hadas Kalderon, the wife of Ofer Kalderon, a 54-year-old hostage, stated, 'We can't miss this moment. This is the last moment; we can save them. ' Palestinians are also expressing hope that an end to the devastating 15-month war is near. Amal Saleh, a 54-year-old resident, shared her sentiments, saying, 'We are waiting for the ceasefire and the truce. May God complete it for us in goodness, bless us with peace, and allow us to return to our homes. ' She emphasized that even if schools are destroyed, the desire for peace remains paramount. Despite ongoing negotiations, the intensity of the conflict has not diminished. The Israeli military reported on Wednesday morning that it had conducted strikes on over 50 targets across Gaza in the previous day. Gaza's health ministry reported that at least 62 individuals lost their lives during this period. An overnight airstrike on a residence in Deir al-Balah resulted in the deaths of 11 people, including four children, according to the Civil Defence agency. Kifaya Shaqoura, who sifted through the rubble of the destroyed building, lamented that her uncle, aunt, their children, and grandchildren were among the deceased. She stated, 'People are waiting for them to announce a truce. But, unfortunately, we woke up with. the news that they've become martyrs. What can we say? ' Another seven individuals reportedly died in a strike on a school being used as a shelter for displaced families in northern Gaza City. The Israeli military claimed that it targeted a 'terrorist who served in a central position' at the school and that it had also conducted strikes on Hamas operatives in Deir al-Balah and the southern city of Khan Younis. They asserted that measures had been taken to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilian structures for military purposes.