Are we near a Ceasefire in Gaza?

Hello,

Unfortunately our eyes are continuously drawn to Gaza, as the ongoing tragedy continues. I try to keep myself constantly informed about the reality of the situation on the ground.

Israel’s military actions continue. Civilians face food shortages, and the broken water system exacerbates health issues. The UN warns of a dire situation.

Hundreds of hostages remain captive, including American citizens. Hamas, has submitted its response to a ceasefire proposal.

US President Joe Biden has outlined a three-phase plan:

1. A six-week truce with Israeli forces withdrawing from densely populated areas. Hostages would be released, and humanitarian aid would flow.
2. All remaining hostages freed, Israeli forces fully withdrawn.
3. Gaza’s rebuilding would begin.

What’s gotta happen first:

• Netanyahu insists on meeting long-standing conditions before accepting the proposal.
• Hamas views the proposal “positively,” but challenges remain.

Latest

• Israeli tanks are moving deeper into western Rafah, firing at displaced people’s tents. Hamas is resisting fiercely, using improvised explosive devices against Israeli armored vehicles.
• The relationship between Israel and the US is strained.
• Gaza’s children are suffering the msot. Schools have become shelters, and 625,000 children have been out of school for over eight months. Tragically, nearly 16,000 children are among the over 37,000 people killed since October 7. Aid agencies report that 3,500 children are malnourished, and 17,000 have lost one or both parents.
• Israel and Hezzbolah/Lebanon are currently avoiding an all-out war, if it happens, the regional consequences could be even more severe.
• Netanyahu, influenced by his hard-line far right partners, is reluctant to agree to a cease-fire, fearing political repercussions.
• Hamas leader Yahia Sinwar, shows little interest in ending the war without substantial gains.
• Armenia has recognized Palestine as a state, urging a resolution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemning the targeting of civilians.