Israel and Hamas have restarted talks for a renewed cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, with some hostages expected to be released from captivity under new proposals. The latest development comes less than two weeks after the collapse of a temporary truce and resumption of Israeli air and ground attacks against Hamas militants.
Hamas has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a new cease-fire, which includes releasing hostages held in Gaza. However, Israel remains at odds over its demands, including the release of 10-11 living hostages. The proposed agreement also requires Israel to end its blockade on Gaza and withdraw forces from the enclave.
Both sides acknowledge that military pressure is working, with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he sees “cracks” in Hamas’s position. However, a breakthrough appears unlikely until fundamental issues are addressed, including the future of Gaza.
Israel has blamed Hamas for the collapse of the previous cease-fire, while both sides have faced growing pressure to renew talks. The recent surge in protests against Hamas in Gaza adds to the uncertainty, with some fearing that Hamas may accept another temporary cease-fire to regain control over its security forces.
Netanyahu has rejected criticism that he is prolonging the war for political reasons, instead attributing his actions to a combination of military and diplomatic pressure. With over 900 people killed since March 18, the conflict remains one of the deadliest in recent years, with many more casualties expected before any lasting resolution is reached.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/30/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-ceasefire-gaza.html