New Delhi: Hamas has accepted a US proposal to start talks on releasing Israeli hostages, including soldiers and civilians, 16 days after an initial agreement aimed at ending the Gaza war, reports claimed. Hamas has decided to drop its previous demand that Israel commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing any agreement. Instead, they are open to negotiating a ceasefire during the six-week first phase of the agreement. This change in stance is a significant development in the ongoing conflict.Hope for agreementThese past failures were often due to conditions set by Hamas that Israel found unacceptable. There has been no immediate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office, which typically observes the Jewish Sabbath. However, a statement from his office on Friday indicated that talks would continue next week, despite remaining differences.The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians since Hamas attacked southern Israeli cities on October 7, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. These figures highlight the severe human toll of the ongoing war.What are mediators provisionsThe new proposal includes provisions for a temporary ceasefire, aid delivery, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops as long as indirect talks continue. This phase of the agreement is supported by intense diplomatic efforts involving Washington, Israel, and Qatar, where the exiled Hamas leadership resides.US involvementReports also revealed that the US administration is pushing hard to secure a deal before the upcoming presidential election in November. This adds an additional layer of urgency to the negotiations. Families of the hostages have publicly urged Netanyahu to finalize the deal. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was abducted on October 7, expressed a renewed sense of hope, emphasizing the importance of seizing this opportunity for an agreement.Continued fightingDespite the ongoing negotiations, Israeli forces have intensified their military strikes in Gaza, resulting in at least 29 Palestinian deaths and 100 injuries in the past 24 hours. The conflict continues to escalate, with significant casualties, including local journalists and Palestinian policemen. Israeli military operations in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, have led to further deaths and destruction of underground structures. The military claims these actions are aimed at eliminating Hamas armed wing battalions.
