Demonstration in Jerusalem - family members of captives call for negotiation settlement

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, both sides continue to hold firm to their demands. Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel has expressed a desire for Israel to maintain control over the Gaza Strip, while Hamas insists on the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Diplomatic efforts to end the war are ongoing, led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. A new proposal for an agreement is expected this week, which includes the release of all hostages and an end to the war. The proposal suggests a 60-day ceasefire, during which initially ten living hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, it remains unclear whether Hamas would be ready to release all remaining hostages at once.

The proposal has been met with support from the Forum of Families of the Hostages Held in Gaza, who have called on the Israeli government to accept the current proposal and begin immediate negotiations for the return of all hostages. The Forum also calls for an end to the war.

Critics accuse Netanyahu of unnecessarily dragging out the war, while the right-wing extremist coalition partners of Netanyahu are against a ceasefire. Netanyahu insists on a comprehensive deal in which all hostages are released at once, but has not responded to Hamas' agreement to a ceasefire for three weeks.

Meanwhile, Hamas has published a video showing hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal, stating that he is in Gaza City. The families of hostages Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel believe they were taken to Gaza before the planned takeover of the city.

The Israeli army has declared a "humanitarian zone" in southern Gaza, including essential humanitarian infrastructure such as field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination plants. However, Israel had already declared Al-Mawasi a "humanitarian zone" in December 2023, and the tent camps there are already considered hopelessly overcrowded.

Tens of thousands of people protested in Jerusalem, calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas. Amidst the ongoing conflict, the Israeli army is potentially preparing for a large-scale offensive in Gaza City.

As negotiations continue, both sides remain hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the safe return of all hostages. Hamas is open to ideas and proposals leading to a lasting ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops, humanitarian aid, and hostage exchange, but has postponed the scheduled next hostage release indefinitely and has not addressed other Israeli demands such as disarmament or Israeli security control over Gaza. Hamas continues to refer to the hostages as prisoners of war and negotiations are currently stalled.

Demonstration in Jerusalem - family members of captives call for negotiation settlement