Israeli ministers were scheduled to convene Thursday evening to review Hamas’s response to a new ceasefire proposal in Gaza, while Hezbollah’s significant rocket and drone attack ignited wildfires along Israel’s northern border. Regional mediators such as Qatar and Egypt are attempting to rekindle ceasefire talks that have stalled after nearly nine months of conflict. The Biden administration is hopeful that a truce in Gaza could pave the way for a broader diplomatic understanding involving Israel and Hezbollah, which has been striking Israel in support of Hamas.
The Israeli government stated on Wednesday that it was assessing Hamas’s reaction to the proposed ceasefire and would subsequently inform the mediators. This proposal follows a three-phase framework publicized by President Biden in late May and supported by the United Nations Security Council. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, indicated that while significant differences remain, Hamas’s response provides a conditional pathway for further discussions.
Indirect talks involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and the US have been ongoing, addressing a potential ceasefire and the release of approximately 120 hostages held in Gaza. However, major issues have kept the discussions stagnant since June. The primary contention revolves around Hamas seeking guarantees for an end to the war and complete Israeli military withdrawal, while Israel demands the destruction of Hamas and postwar security control in Gaza.
Within Israel, some key coalition members, including far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, oppose any deal with Hamas, advocating for intensified military action.
Hezbollah, in one of its largest assaults since the conflict began, launched roughly 200 rockets, mortars, and 20 drones into northern Israel on Thursday, triggering prolonged air-raid sirens and mass evacuations. This escalation follows ongoing exchanges since Hamas’s attack on Oct. 7. Casualties include over 80 Lebanese civilians, 11 Israeli civilians, more than 300 Hezbollah fighters, and at least 17 Israeli troops.
Hezbollah noted that the attack partly responded to Israel’s assassination of a senior Hezbollah commander. Senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine declared that attacks would continue until Israel ceases its Gaza military campaign, while Israeli officials caution about a potential offensive to thwart Hezbollah’s border presence.
Original Story https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/04/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-cease-fire-proposal.html
Category : Israel-Gaza War (2023- ),Netanyahu, Benjamin,Hamas,Hezbollah,Palestinians,Gaza Strip,Israel,International Relations,Peace Process,Defense and Military Forces,Biden, Joseph R Jr
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