Israel has tentatively agreed to a six-week ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of vulnerable hostages, according to an official speaking to the Associated Press (AP). The success of this framework depends on Hamas’ acceptance of the deal, the official explained to the AP.
The Biden administration is pushing for a ceasefire agreement before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on March 10, as reported by the AP. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris on February 23 to discuss initial terms and laid out the framework for this deal.
This news comes after the U.S. provided its first air drop of food aid to Gaza following a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7th, which claimed the lives of 1,163 people in Israel. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the dire situation in Gaza, where a quarter of the population is at risk of famine due to looting of aid trucks upon arrival.
Recent aid deliveries in Gaza have been marred by violence, with dozens of deaths reported. Israel claims the deaths were a result of overcrowding and trampling, while Palestinian officials accuse Israeli forces of carrying out a massacre.
An Israeli official defended the actions of their soldiers during the aid delivery, stating that warnings were issued before shots were fired at those who posed a threat. The situation remains tense as negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release continue.
