According to reports, an agreement is close to being reached between Israel, the United States, and Hamas to secure the release of dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza. The deal would involve a five-day break in fighting. However, despite this progress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea of a complete ceasefire and has faced increasing pressure from the international community.
In recent hours, Israeli bombings on Gaza have resulted in at least 15 Palestinian fatalities. The IDF has escalated its activities in Gaza, with attacks on civilian areas and schools serving as refuges for displaced people.
Despite ongoing efforts to negotiate the release of hostages, Hamas still holds 239 prisoners. While there is hope that an agreement will be reached soon, it remains tentative.
The establishment of a ceasefire is expected to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. US President Joe Biden has called for the Palestinian National Authority to govern Gaza and the West Bank at the end of the war. He has also ordered sanctions and visa bans to be prepared against extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank.