Hamas has insisted that any future ceasefire negotiations concerning Gaza should adhere to the terms of President Biden’s previous plan rather than embarking on new discussions.
Last week, international mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US proposed a new round of talks to address a ceasefire and hostage release, scheduled for August 15. Israel has agreed to send negotiators, while recent attempts at negotiation stalled due to new conditions introduced beyond the framework proposed by Biden in May.
In response, the leaders of the UK, France, and Germany have called for the resumption of talks without further delay, emphasizing their commitment to reducing tensions and seeking stability in the region. This call came as tensions in the Middle East have escalated, partly due to recent high-profile killings and a notable increase in military activity.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the region, joining the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. Meanwhile, Iran has indicated that it will respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in due course, attributing the responsibility to US support for Israel.
Hamas has reacted to the mediators’ pressure by demanding that any renewed negotiations be based on the previous Biden plan, rejecting the idea of new proposals. They argue that additional negotiations or proposals could serve as a cover for further aggression and delays by Israel.
Recent developments include an Israeli military order for the relocation of thousands of Palestinians in Khan Younis to designated “humanitarian zones,” following an airstrike on a school that resulted in over 70 casualties. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim the school was used by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, although Hamas denies these allegations. The IDF suggests a high probability that a key Islamic Jihad commander was present at the time of the strike, though confirmation of his death is still pending.
The ongoing conflict, which began with a significant Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, has led to extensive casualties on both sides. Over 39,790 Palestinians have been reported killed in the Israeli military campaign, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.
