Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad responded positively to a proposal for a cease-fire and release of hostages in Gaza, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The U.N. Security Council endorsed a resolution seeking to end the Israel-Hamas war. The Biden administration put forth a three-phase proposal, with the Israeli input, to achieve an immediate truce, withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, a prisoner exchange, and a pathway to a permanent end to the conflict.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to the truce proposal, Hamas leaders in Gaza have yet to give their approval. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced humanitarian assistance to Palestinians and met with both Israeli and Palestinian officials to urge for peace negotiations.
Meanwhile, in Yemen, the U.N. called on Houthi rebels to release 13 U.N. personnel accused of spying for the U.S. and Israel. The U.N. Human Rights Office raised concerns over possible war crimes committed by Israel during a hostage raid in Gaza, where hundreds of Palestinians were reportedly killed.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar expressed a willingness to sacrifice Palestinian lives to achieve a permanent cease-fire and claim a victory over Israel. Messages reviewed by the Wall Street Journal show Sinwar’s strategic approach to the conflict, referencing necessary sacrifices to gain independence. The situation remains complex, with ongoing negotiations and calls for peace amid escalating violence.
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