In Washington, Donald Trump said Israel had accepted his terms for an agreement. The US president promised a truce very soon, along with the release of hostages. He issued a final warning to Hamas to accept a ceasefire linked to this exchange. What comes next for Gaza?
Details of the Proposed Agreement
According to diplomatic sources in Washington, the plan would see 48 hostages released on the first day of the truce in exchange for a significant number of Palestinian prisoners. The truce is intended to provide a framework for broader negotiations aimed at ending the war. However, only about 20 hostages are reportedly still alive. Trump’s recent statements about Gaza’s future, including a “Middle East Riviera” project involving the mass relocation of the population, raise questions about how such an agreement could be implemented.
Hamas Ready to Negotiate
The movement says it has received the American proposals through mediators and is prepared to sit at the negotiating table immediately. It maintains its conditions: an end to the war, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the establishment of an independent Palestinian administration.
Israel Follows Washington’s Lead
On Monday, Israel issued its own solemn warning to Hamas. Officially, Jerusalem says it is carefully reviewing the US proposal. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reiterated that the war could end if the hostages were released and Hamas laid down its arms, a clear red line for the Islamist movement.
Escalation on the Ground
In Gaza City, bombings continue. Three residential towers, including the Al-Ruya Tower, have been destroyed in recent days. The Israeli Army says they housed Hamas infrastructure. A school converted into a shelter was also struck, killing at least eight people, including several children.
Humanitarian Emergency
The UN warns that famine now threatens Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. Despite announced aid convoys, assistance remains insufficient and thousands of civilians are being evacuated under ongoing bombardment.
Since October 2023, more than 64,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local figures cited by the UN. The October 7 attack left around 1,200 dead in Israel, and 251 people were abducted. To date, 48 hostages remain in captivity, about 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
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