TEL AVIV/GAZA CITY: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stern ultimatum to Hamas on Friday, urging the group to accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal or face complete destruction. The militant group, however, remains undecided, stating it is still reviewing the terms of the deal mediated by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
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| Smoke rises above the Gaza Strip from Israeli bombardment as an Israeli right wing activist falls to the ground during scuffles with Israeli troop near the Erez crossing, during a rally calling for the building of Israeli settlements in Gaza, on February 29, 2024, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant (Photo by OREN ZIV/AFP via Getty Images) |
In a strongly worded statement, Katz declared that Israeli military operations in Gaza will continue with “maximum intensity” unless Hamas agrees to the terms outlined in what he called the “Witkoff Deal.” The proposal, which includes the release of hostages and a temporary cessation of hostilities, comes amid ongoing airstrikes and growing international pressure for a resolution.
“Hamas must choose—either accept the deal and release the hostages or be annihilated,” said Katz.
Trump Says Gaza Ceasefire Agreement is "Close"
“They’re very close to finalizing a deal on Gaza,” Trump said. “We could see an announcement later today or tomorrow. There’s a real chance this could happen.”
Despite the optimism, Hamas has given a tepid response to the current proposal, which outlines a 60-day ceasefire period, the release of hostages, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces to pre-ceasefire positions.
Key Details of the Proposed Ceasefire Deal
Sources familiar with the talks, including a Hamas official and an Egyptian mediator, revealed the proposed plan includes:
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A 60-day pause in fighting
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Release of 10 live Israeli hostages and several deceased individuals
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Exchange for over 1,100 Palestinian prisoners, including 100 convicted in deadly attacks
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Commitment to further negotiations toward a long-term truce
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Humanitarian aid: Hundreds of trucks delivering food and essentials to Gaza daily
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Israeli troop withdrawal to positions held before the breakdown of the last ceasefire
Hamas confirmed it is in discussions with other Palestinian factions and has not yet reached a final decision on the U.S. proposal.
Civilian Toll and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. On Friday alone, at least 27 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes, according to hospital reports. One strike on a tent in Khan Younis claimed 13 lives, including eight children. The Israeli Defense Forces have not commented on the incident.
In Gaza City, the Red Crescent reported the retrieval of additional bodies from the Jabaliya refugee camp and other affected areas. The total number of fatalities since the war began now exceeds 54,000, with a majority reported as women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. However, the figures do not distinguish between civilians and militants.
Origins of the Conflict and Ongoing Hostage Crisis
The ongoing war stems from a major escalation on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Israel believes that 58 hostages remain in Gaza, though 35 are presumed dead, and concerns persist regarding the fate of others.
Desperation and Suffering Among Gaza’s Residents
“This isn’t just a war—it’s a siege, it’s starvation,” said Mohammed Abed, a father from Deir al-Balah. “We wait hours just for rice. We eat one meal a day. This isn’t life.”
Another resident, Mohammed Mreil, expressed hope despite the devastation:
“We want peace, for us and for them. We weren’t created just to die. We want to live.”
