In a stark warning, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Friday that Hamas must accept a U.S. brokered ceasefire proposal or face complete destruction. This ultimatum comes as President Donald Trump announced that a truce in Gaza is “very close,” which hopes of finalizing the agreement before Sunday.
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U.S.-Backed Ceasefire Proposal Details
The proposal ceasefire, crafted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, outlines a 60-day halt in hostilities. During this period, Hamas would release 28 Israeli hostages (both alive and deceased) in exchange for Israel freeing 1,236 Palestinian prisoners and returning the remains of 180 Palestinians. Humanitarian aid would be delivered to Gaza through the United Nations and the Red Crescent.
While Israel has accepted the terms, Hamas remains hesitant. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim criticized the proposal, stating it fails to meet the “just and legitimate demands” of the Palestinian people, including a complete end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
The international community has expressed growing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations warns that the entire population is at risk of famine, with aid deliveries hampered by security and bureaucratic obstacles.
French President Emmanuel Macron has threatened to harden Europe’s stance against Israel if humanitarian conditions do not improve, suggesting potential recognition of a Palestinian state. Israel’s foreign ministry rebuked Macron’s comments, accusing him of launching a “crusade against the Jewish state.”
Outlook
As negotiations continue, the situation remains tense. The proposed ceasefire offers a potential path to de-escalation, but significant hurdles persist, particularly regarding Hamas’s demands for a permanent end to the conflict and Israeli troop withdrawal. The coming days will be critical in determining whether a truce can be achieved or if the region will face further escalation.
