Israel proposes new ceasefire in Gaza and outlines its conditions, Reuters reports
Illustrative photo: Israel may agree to a new ceasefire in the Gaza Strip (Getty Images)
Israel may agree to a new ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. However, for this to happen, Hamas must release approximately half of the hostages, Reuters informs.
According to unnamed Israeli officials, Israel has proposed a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip for 40-50 days.
This proposal, according to Reuters, involves the release of approximately half of the 24 Hamas hostages believed to still be alive. They have been held captive by militants for nearly 18 months.
It is worth noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu only yesterday, on March 30, promised to intensify pressure on Hamas. However, he stated that diplomacy will also continue.
Netanyahu expressed confidence that sustained military pressure is the best way to secure the release of the hostages.
He also reiterated Israel's demands for Hamas's disarmament, although militants have rejected these calls as a "red line" they will not cross.
The prime minister clarified that Hamas leaders would be allowed to leave the Gaza Strip as part of a broader settlement, which would include proposals from US President Donald Trump for the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians.
Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on January 19. The agreements stipulated that Israel would release detained Palestinians to the militants, and in return, they would free the hostages.
However, the ceasefire did not last long. Due to Hamas delaying the release of the hostages, Israel resumed its attacks on militants in the Gaza Strip.
For more details on why the ceasefire collapsed, see the material by RBC-Ukraine.
