In a context of extreme tensions around Gaza, the latest 24 to 48 hours saw potentially crucial developments for realling the conflict: Donald Trump is Israel to immediately stop his strikes, while Hamas expresses his desire to release Israeli hostages as part of the cease-fire proposal.
Trump requires immediate stop of bombing
US President Donald Trump launched a public appeal to Israel so that he “immediately stops bombing” from Gaza, via a message posted on his social social network. He considered that Hamas’s acceptance of the peace proposal could constitute a basis to get out of the cycle of violence and save lives.
This recall comes in a context where diplomatic fire is almost as intense as military hostilities. Trump set an ultimatum: Hamas must accept his proposal before Sunday, under penalty of seeing Israel relaunch the offensive with more force.
Hamas declares itself ready to release the hostages
According to several media, Hamas responded favorably to Trump’s proposal. He claims to be ready to release all Israeli or deceased hostages – as part of an exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The movement specifies that it intends to negotiate immediately the terms of this release, in particular the calendar, the premises, and the security guarantees.
In its press release, Hamas also evokes the possibility of entrusting the administration of Gaza to independent technocrats, calling into question the direct role of the movement in the management of the enclave.
Faced with this posture of Hamas and the call of Trump, Israel announced that it was preparing to implement “immediately” the first phase of the American peace plan, including the release of the hostages. However, the Israeli army claims to maintain the right to defense and maintains strikes in certain areas, in particular Gaza-Ville, despite the pressure.
On the diplomatic side, several international states and organizations have praised the reaction of Hamas and called to grasp this window to establish a cease-fire.
Issues and questions
Credibility and conditions: The American proposal includes several sensitive components-immediate cease-fire, gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, disarmament of Hamas, and creation of a transitional government. Each party fears that the other does not respect its commitments.
