The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has taken a critical turn, with the Israeli military chief, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, stating that a deal to free captives held in Gaza is on the table.
According to Zamir, the military’s assault on Gaza has “created the conditions” for a captive deal with Hamas. “As a result of the military pressure, we created the conditions for the release of the hostages,” he said, as reported by Israeli media.
However, Zamir’s comments come amidst escalating violence in Gaza, where Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City has sparked widespread concern.
The city, home to nearly one million people, is facing severe humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification declaring famine in Gaza.
Close to 514,000 people are experiencing famine, with the number expected to rise to 641,000 by the end of September.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with 11 more people, including two children, dying from malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of hunger- and malnutrition-related deaths to 300, including 117 children.
The Israeli military’s actions have been criticized, with many calling for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid. In a recent attack, Israel bombed a hospital in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, killing five journalists, including Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammad Salama.
The international community has been urged to take action, with rights groups condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. Mark Ruffalo, an American actor, has called the Gaza famine a “man-made” crisis, urging world leaders to act.
The United Nations has also expressed concern, with the UN Secretary-General describing Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City as a “dangerous escalation.”
Meanwhile, Hamas has accepted a new truce proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, which calls for a temporary cessation of military operations for 60 days, during which humanitarian aid would be allowed, and half of the 50 Israeli captives would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
However, Israel’s response to the proposal remains uncertain, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing pressure from tens of thousands of Israelis protesting for an end to the war and the return of captives.
In his statement, Zamir emphasized that the military offensive to seize Gaza City would pose “great danger” to the lives of captives.
“Now it’s in Netanyahu’s hands,” he said, leaving the fate of the captive deal uncertain. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict has never been more pressing.