Israel launched deadly air strikes in the Gaza Strip on Sunday as the war entered its 10th month, while fresh diplomatic efforts were underway to halt the violence. Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel, and both sides received new proposals for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal.
Hamas has softened its conditions for accepting a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, proposing a phased Israeli withdrawal and dropping its demand for a written commitment to a permanent ceasefire. The group has also agreed to consider releasing hostages in phases, with the process contingent on the progress of talks for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has sent a delegation to Qatar for talks, with Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterating his commitment to achieving all of Israel’s war goals. As the conflict drags on, pressure mounts on both sides to reach an agreement, with Gazans expressing their desire for an immediate end to the fighting.
The US has revised its proposed ceasefire and hostage-release deal for Gaza, aiming to reconcile the conflicting positions of Israel and Hamas. The revised proposal, based on President Biden’s earlier framework, focuses on negotiation points during the initial ceasefire phase. While Israel supports the deal, Hamas has shown resistance, rejecting the proposal as lacking meaningful progress. The US is working with Qatar and Egypt to facilitate a compromise, but a senior Hamas official has dismissed the revised proposal as offering nothing new.
A coalition of armed ethnic groups in Myanmar has accused the junta of repeatedly breaching a ceasefire in the country’s north, resulting in civilian casualties. This comes despite a truce brokered by China in January. The groups claim the junta is using Chinese support to carry out attacks, further escalating the conflict in the region.
Hamas has accepted the United Nations ceasefire resolution that aims to end the Israeli assault on Gaza, according to senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri. The resolution calls for negotiations between Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Abu Zuhri stated that the US must ensure that Israel abides by the resolution, exchanging hostages for detainees and withdrawing troops. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope following Hamas’s acceptance of the resolution, stating that it is a “hopeful” sign. The UN Security Council unanimously passed the US-backed resolution (with Russia abstaining) on Monday, endorsing a three-part ceasefire plan that includes an initial six-week ceasefire, exchange of captives, establishment of a lasting ceasefire, and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a ceasefire proposal between Israel and Hamas, outlining a path towards a permanent end to the conflict in Gaza. The proposal was drafted by US President Joe Biden and welcomed by Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, and the Palestinian Authority. The deal envisages a stage-wise ceasefire, with the ultimate goal of a complete cessation of hostilities. Israel, however, has stated that it will only end the war when Hamas is completely defeated, leaving open the possibility of a temporary ceasefire. Russia abstained from voting on the proposal, expressing concerns about its vague parameters.
The White House is still awaiting a response from Palestinian Islamist group Hamas regarding Israel’s ceasefire proposal, which was presented by President Biden and relayed by Qatar. CIA Director Bill Burns is scheduled to meet with Qatari mediators to discuss the proposal further. Hamas has stated that it will not accept any agreement unless Israel agrees to a permanent truce and complete withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains that permanent peace is impossible without the eradication of Hamas. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist), along with other left-wing organizations, has expressed strong condemnation against Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza, calling it a ‘genocide’ and demanding an immediate ceasefire. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been accused of supporting Israel despite its apparent deviation from the nation’s previous stance on the Palestinian cause.
Egypt has threatened to withdraw as a mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations after CNN reported that Egyptian intelligence changed the terms of the recent truce proposal, scuttling a deal.
President Joe Biden addressed protests against the Gaza war at Morehouse College, a historically Black university, promising to hear the voices of students. While some students turned their backs during the ceremony, Biden expressed his support for non-violent protests and his efforts towards a ceasefire and lasting peace in Gaza. He also emphasized the humanitarian crisis in the region and the need for an independent Palestinian state. Alongside his outreach to Gaza protesters, Biden’s speech aimed to engage with Black voters amid declining support. The event was part of a series of efforts to address issues of democracy and racism, particularly relevant in light of former President Trump’s rhetoric and actions.
