Hamas Submits Ceasefire Response Amid Ongoing Gaza Violence

Hamas has submitted its response to mediators regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, according to a statement released on Thursday morning. The response reportedly includes amendments to conditions around the entry of aid, areas from which the Israeli army should withdraw, and guarantees on securing a permanent end to the war. Hamas said it had “just submitted its response and that of the Palestinian factions” to mediators after weeks of fruitless ceasefire talks.

Israel has stated that it is examining the response. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to bombard Gaza, killing at least 77 people on Wednesday, including 25 aid seekers, according to medical sources cited.

The ongoing violence has drawn condemnation from the international community, with a coalition of 109 aid agencies warning of “mass starvation” of Palestinians in Gaza. The agencies have called for an immediate ceasefire and the end of all restrictions on humanitarian aid.

The conflict has also drawn attention from the international community, with Brazil announcing that it is in the final stages of formally joining South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice. The case accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Brazil’s decision reflects growing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for international action to address the crisis.

The Israeli war on Gaza has resulted in significant humanitarian suffering, with at least 59,219 people killed and 143,045 wounded, according to official reports. The conflict began with an attack on October 7, 2023, that killed an estimated 1,139 people in Israel and took more than 200 captive. The ongoing violence has had a devastating impact on civilians in Gaza, with many facing dire living conditions and a lack of access to basic necessities like food and medical care.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, international efforts to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis remain crucial. The submission of Hamas’s response to mediators offers a glimmer of hope, but the path to a lasting peace remains fraught with challenges.