Israeli ministers are meeting to discuss Hamas’s response to a proposed truce in Gaza and the release of hostages, aiming to revive talks that have been dormant for months. Discussions are based on a three-stage framework deal endorsed by the UN Security Council. While wide gaps remain between the sides, Hamas’s response leaves potential for progress.
Israel and Hamas, along with mediators, have been engaged in indirect talks for months, but major issues have kept the negotiations at a standstill. Hamas seeks guarantees for an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, while Israel aims for the destruction of Hamas and postwar security control in Gaza. Some members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government oppose a deal with Hamas, preferring to increase military pressure.
The Biden administration hopes a cease-fire will ease cross-border tensions on Israel’s northern border. After a recent attack by Hamas, Hezbollah launched a large barrage of rockets and drones into northern Israel, prompting air-raid sirens but causing no casualties. Hezbollah’s attacks were partly in response to Israel’s assassination of a military commander in Lebanon. Thousands of people have fled both sides of the border, with Hezbollah vowing to continue attacks until Israel stops its campaign in Gaza. Israeli officials have warned of a potential offensive in Lebanon to keep Hezbollah away from the border.
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