TEL AVIV. Hamas has expressed its acceptance of a United Nations resolution backing a plan to end the ongoing conflict with Israel in Gaza. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri confirmed the group’s readiness to negotiate the details, marking a potential turning point in the eight-month-long war. However, formal replies to the truce proposal from both Hamas and Israel are still pending, according to an official close to the talks. The proposal’s acceptance by both sides remains uncertain as it must address their conflicting goals.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking after meetings with Israeli leaders in Tel Aviv, described the Hamas statement as “a hopeful sign.” He emphasized the need for definitive confirmation from Hamas leadership within Gaza, saying, “That’s what counts, and that’s what we don’t have yet.”
President Joe Biden’s truce proposal, approved by the U.N. Security Council, outlines a ceasefire and a phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinians jailed in Israel. The ultimate goal is a permanent end to the conflict. Hamas’s acceptance of the resolution includes a formula requiring the total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and an exchange of hostages. Abu Zuhri highlighted the U.S. administration’s role in compelling Israel to implement the U.N. resolution, stating, “The U.S. administration is facing a real test to carry out its commitments in compelling the occupation to immediately end the war.”
The war, initiated by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, has led to substantial casualties and destruction. Over 1,200 Israelis have been killed, and more than 250 taken hostage. In response, Israel’s air and ground offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 37,164 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The U.S., Israel’s closest ally, has become increasingly critical of the high civilian death toll and the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Secretary Blinken’s talks also covered post-war planning for Gaza, including security, governance, and reconstruction.
During his trip, Blinken met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, a key mediator in the conflict, and held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Blinken’s consultations in Israel included meetings with centrist former military chief Benny Gantz, who recently resigned from Israel’s war cabinet. At a conference in Jordan, Blinken announced $404 million in aid for Palestinians and urged other donors to contribute. Egyptian President al-Sisi called on nations to pressure Israel to halt the use of hunger as a weapon and to facilitate the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza.
Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continued on Tuesday, with Israeli forces intensifying strikes on Rafah in southern Gaza. This follows a deadly incident involving four Israeli soldiers killed by a blast in a booby-trapped house claimed by Hamas. While Biden has frequently indicated that ceasefires were imminent, only one temporary truce occurred in November, resulting in the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for about 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Recent operations by Israeli forces, including a commando raid in central Gaza, have resulted in significant casualties. As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough in this protracted and devastating conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
