Live Updates on Cease-Fire Negotiations between Israel and Hamas

After almost seven months of devastating war, the fate of a Gaza cease-fire deal hangs in the balance as Hamas leaders consider Israel’s latest proposal with cautious optimism. The proposal includes the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners in Israel, as well as the return of civilians to the largely depopulated northern part of Gaza. It also allows for increased delivery of aid to the territory.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh stated that the group is studying the proposal with a “positive spirit” and that a delegation will soon travel to Egypt to continue negotiations. This comes after conflicting statements from Hamas spokesperson Osama Hamdan, who initially expressed a negative view of the proposal but later clarified that changes would need to be made for Hamas to agree.

In Israel, the war cabinet is set to meet to discuss the cease-fire negotiations and a planned invasion of Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza where a million people have sought shelter. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has emphasized that the onus is on Hamas to accept the proposal, while Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to make a deal quickly.

The negotiations have been complex and protracted, with intermediaries from Qatar and Egypt facilitating communication between Israel, the United States, and Hamas. A major sticking point is Israel’s planned ground offensive into Rafah, which Hamas has warned would halt negotiations.

Despite pressure from the Biden administration to avoid a major invasion, Israeli officials have maintained their intention to proceed with the offensive. Mr. Netanyahu stated that the goal is to achieve “total victory” by eliminating Hamas battalions in Rafah, with or without a cease-fire deal.

Hamas has insisted on a permanent cease-fire as part of any agreement, while Israel has rejected this as a ploy for Hamas to regroup militarily. The latest proposal from Israel includes allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza without screening and reducing the number of hostages Hamas must release.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll, with hundreds killed and thousands injured on both sides. The hope now is that a negotiated cease-fire can pave the way for a lasting peace in the region. As the negotiations continue, the world watches anxiously to see if a resolution can be reached to end the cycle of violence and suffering in Gaza.