Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the urgency of seizing any opportunity to free hostages in Gaza, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas. This appeal comes amid nearly 21 months of conflict that have severely impacted the humanitarian situation for over two million residents of the Gaza Strip. On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 14 individuals, according to the civil defense agency.
President Trump announced on social media that he urged Hamas to accept a ceasefire, claiming that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize such a deal. While Saar did not directly reference Trump’s statements, he expressed broad governmental and public support for efforts to secure the release of hostages. “If the opportunity arises, it must not be missed!” Saar wrote on X.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing conflict has led to dire conditions in Gaza, where Israel has intensified its military operations. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported that an Israeli airstrike killed five members of the same family in the Al-Mawasi area, a location previously designated as a safe zone by Israel in December 2023. Despite this designation, the area has faced repeated strikes.
Images from Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis city depicted medics attending to young children with bloodied bandages, highlighting the severe impact on civilians. Further north, additional casualties were reported from airstrikes in Gaza City and Deir el-Balah.
“Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by rescuers.”
Military Operations and International Response
The Israeli military has stated its operations aim to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities while adhering to international law and minimizing civilian harm. Recent military actions have reportedly eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled numerous terror infrastructure sites across Gaza.
President Trump’s ceasefire proposal has garnered attention as a potential turning point in the conflict. He mentioned that Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who have maintained dialogue with Hamas, would present the final proposal. Trump expressed hope that Hamas would accept the deal, warning that the situation could worsen otherwise.
“Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War,” Trump stated.
Historical Context and Future Implications
The conflict traces back to Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, primarily civilians, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in over 56,647 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry and considered reliable by the United Nations.
As diplomatic efforts have stalled, the new ceasefire proposal represents a crucial opportunity for both sides to de-escalate tensions. President Trump is scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House next week, a meeting that could further influence the course of the conflict.
The international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes humanitarian needs and paves the way for long-term peace in the region.
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