WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, and he’s now putting the pressure on Hamas to accept the deal — warning the group that the opportunity won’t come again.

“Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60-day ceasefire,” Trump posted, adding that Qatar and Egypt would deliver the final proposal to Hamas. “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”

Talks Heat Up Ahead of Netanyahu’s U.S. Visit

Trump’s announcement comes just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit the White House for high-level talks on the war in Gaza, regional security, and Iran. The former president has been ramping up diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and a hostage release deal, aiming to end a war that has dragged on for nearly 21 months.

In Washington, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer met Tuesday with senior U.S. officials — including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff — to discuss the ceasefire proposal and other key issues.

Earlier in the day, Trump expressed confidence that Netanyahu is ready to make a deal.

“He wants to,” Trump told reporters while touring a Florida immigration detention center. “I think we’ll have a deal next week.”

The Ceasefire Plan: Still a Stalemate?

Despite Trump’s optimism, the central sticking point remains: What happens after the ceasefire?

• Hamas says it’s willing to release all remaining hostages (about 50, with fewer than half believed to be alive) in exchange for a full Israeli troop withdrawal and a complete end to the war.
• Israel, on the other hand, demands that Hamas surrender, disarm, and go into exile — a nonstarter for the militant group.

Trump has tried to frame this new ceasefire push as a turning point in the war. But Hamas may see his rhetoric as just more pressure tactics, especially since previous ceasefire efforts — including the war’s longest pause in March — have collapsed without lasting results.

War’s Toll Still Rising in Gaza

Meanwhile, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire. Over 56,000 people have been killed since the conflict began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.

• At least 37 people were killed Tuesday in Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis, according to Nasser Hospital.
• Witnesses also reported the deaths of at least 10 Palestinians waiting in line for food aid, prompting outrage from over 150 international aid groups, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International. These groups are now calling for the dismantling of the Israeli- and U.S.-backed aid distribution system, citing ongoing chaos and violence at food sites.

“Tents, tents — they are hitting with two missiles?” cried Um Seif Abu Leda, whose son was among the victims.

Houthi Missiles and Regional Tensions

As Gaza suffers, the wider region simmers.

On Tuesday, sirens wailed across Israel as the country intercepted missiles launched from both Gaza and Yemen. It marked the first Houthi rebel attack since the end of the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict last month — a conflict that reportedly damaged key Iranian nuclear sites in joint Israeli-U.S. strikes.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Yemen could face the same fate as Tehran if attacks continue. In response, Houthi spokesperson Nasruddin Amer doubled down, saying Yemen would not stop its support for Gaza until “the aggression stops and the siege is lifted.”

Next Week: All Eyes on Washington

As Netanyahu heads to Washington, he’s expected to discuss not just the ceasefire and Gaza — but also a potential trade deal and follow-up on Trump’s Iran ceasefire initiative. For now, Trump is urging Hamas to take the deal on the table before, as he put it, “things get worse.”

The coming week could determine whether the region inches closer to peace — or plunges back into deeper chaos.

Source: AP News – Trump says Israel has agreed on terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urges Hamas to accept deal

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Israel has recovered the bodies of three hostages from the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Saturday, in what he called a “successful” military operation carried out by Israeli forces.

The recovered individuals were identified as Yonatan Samrano, Ofra Kedar, and Staff Sgt. Shai Levinson. Their remains were returned to Israel following a targeted operation led by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security agency.

“I thank our commanders and fighters for their determination and courage,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
“We will not rest until we return all of our abductees home—both the living and the dead.”

The Victims’ Stories

Each of the three victims had been held or killed during the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, when more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

• Ofra Kedar, 71, was murdered at a kibbutz before her body was taken into Gaza.
• Staff Sgt. Shai Levinson, just 19 years old, was killed while fighting back against attackers during the assault.
• Yonatan Samrano, 23, was declared dead by Israeli officials; his father, Kobi Samrano, confirmed the recovery of his son’s body in a touching Instagram post.

“Yesterday was Yonati’s Hebrew birthday,” he wrote.
“On the very day he was born, our Yonati was rescued in a heroic operation by the brave soldiers of the IDF and the Shin Bet.”

Ongoing Efforts and National Response

These latest recoveries bring the total number of hostage bodies retrieved this month to eight, as Israel continues both its military operations in Gaza and parallel efforts to confront Iran.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a group representing families of those taken during the October 7 attacks, expressed both sorrow and a renewed sense of urgency:

“Our hearts are with the Keidar, Samrano, and Levinson families today.
Alongside grief, their return offers some comfort to families who’ve endured 625 days of uncertainty.”

The group emphasized that the fate of the remaining 50 hostages—31 of whom the IDF now says are dead—remains central to Israel’s broader goals:

“There will be no victory until the last hostage returns.”

Wider Conflict and Casualties

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza was launched in direct response to the October 7 attack by Hamas. Since then, the war has exacted a heavy toll on both sides.

According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 54,677 people have been killed in the territory since the war began. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as fighting persists and efforts to secure the release—or remains—of hostages press on.

Source: BBC – Israel recovers bodies of three hostages from Gaza

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UNITED NATIONS – June 12, 2025 — The United Nations General Assembly is set to vote Thursday on a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and the full reopening of Israeli border crossings to allow urgently needed humanitarian aid.

Drafted by Spain and seen by the Associated Press, the resolution comes amid mounting global pressure to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians face famine. The text also condemns the use of starvation as a weapon of war, a charge many experts and human rights advocates say is increasingly relevant as Israel continues its military campaign.

A Resolution with Broad Support — But Limited Power

Unlike the Security Council, the General Assembly doesn’t operate with veto power, meaning the resolution is widely expected to pass — and likely by a large margin. But it’s important to note: General Assembly resolutions are non-binding. While they don’t carry legal force, they are seen as a strong indicator of global sentiment.

This vote comes just one week after the U.N. Security Council failed to pass a similar resolution. The U.S. vetoed that effort, arguing it lacked a provision tying the ceasefire to the release of Israeli hostages. The other 14 members voted in favor.

Ongoing Aid Crisis: Not Enough, Not Safe

Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza for 10 weeks, but has recently allowed limited food shipments through U.N. channels and a new U.S.-backed aid effort called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This new initiative has opened several distribution sites in central and southern Gaza, but the situation remains dire.

Humanitarian operations continue to face serious obstacles, including near-daily shootings at aid distribution points, Israeli restrictions, and general lawlessness. The long-established U.N. aid system has also struggled to function under current conditions.

Legal Pressure Mounts

The draft resolution references a March 28 order by the International Court of Justice, which legally obligated Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza to allow for the delivery of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies. The order came in response to a case filed by South Africa, which accused Israel of committing genocide — a charge Israel strongly denies.

The resolution also reaffirms Israel’s responsibility as an occupying power under international law to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.

Calls for Peace and a Two-State Solution

The text renews the U.N. General Assembly’s support for a two-state solution, emphasizing that Gaza should be part of a future Palestinian state. A high-level meeting on this issue is scheduled for next week, although Israel has repeatedly rejected the two-state proposal in its current form.

Meanwhile, the resolution also expresses support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States to revive a January ceasefire deal. The U.S. maintains that any ceasefire must reflect the “realities on the ground,” including guarantees for Israel’s security.

Controversy Over Hamas and the October 7 Attack

One notable omission in the resolution — like the failed Security Council version — is any explicit condemnation of Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023 attack, which triggered the war. That assault killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages being taken, with around 55 still in captivity.

The U.S. has insisted that any path to peace must include disarmament and withdrawal of Hamas from Gaza — two points not mentioned in the current resolution.

Israel’s response has been devastating. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of them women and children. However, the Ministry does not separate civilians from militants in its count. Israel claims to have killed more than 20,000 militants, though it has not provided public evidence.

Source: AP News – UN is set to vote on a resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire, hostage release and aid access

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On Thursday, Hamas handed over the bodies of two young Israeli hostages—Kfir Bibas, a nine-month-old infant, and his four-year-old brother, Ariel. These two children were among the youngest captives taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack, becoming powerful symbols of the profound trauma caused that day.

The Handover Process

The bodies were delivered in four black coffins, each bearing a small photograph of the deceased. Red Cross vehicles transported the coffins away from the Gaza Strip, escorted by armed Hamas militants in black and camouflage uniforms. The United Nations’ Volker Turk condemned the “parading of bodies” as cruel and abhorrent, emphasizing that international law requires respect for the dignity of the deceased.

Upon the bodies’ transfer, the coffins were scanned for explosives by the Israeli military before being transported to Israel. As the convoy passed by, Israelis gathered in the rain near the Gaza border to pay their respects. One mourner, Efrat, expressed the collective grief, saying, “We stand here together, with a broken heart. The sky is also crying with us, and we pray to see better days.”

In Tel Aviv, people gathered outside Israel’s defense headquarters, known as Hostages Square, some visibly weeping. President Isaac Herzog shared the nation’s sorrow, stating, “Agony. Pain. There are no words. Our hearts— the hearts of an entire nation—lie in tatters.”

Controversial Symbolism

A militant in Gaza stood beside a poster featuring an image of a man standing over coffins draped in Israeli flags. The poster depicted tree roots instead of legs, implying that the land belonged to Palestinians, with the text: “The Return of the War = The Return of Your Prisoners in Coffins.” This imagery added to the tension surrounding the handover, which has been criticized as being part of Hamas’ broader public campaign.

Background on the Hostages

Kfir and Ariel’s mother, Shiri Bibas, was also among those abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community near Gaza that was overrun by Hamas militants on October 7. The boys’ abduction, along with their mother, became a powerful symbol of the violence inflicted that day. Hamas initially claimed in November 2023 that the boys and their mother had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, though Israeli authorities had not confirmed their deaths at that time.

Yiftach Cohen, a resident of Nir Oz, spoke to the significance of the Bibas family’s story, noting, “Shiri and the kids became a symbol.” The village had lost about a quarter of its residents, either killed or kidnapped, during the attack. The father, Yarden Bibas, was released in a prisoner exchange earlier this month.

Another prominent hostage, 83-year-old Oded Lifschitz, was taken from the same kibbutz. A former journalist and peace activist, Lifschitz had been an outspoken critic of Israeli policies, including Prime Minister Netanyahu’s stance on the two-state solution. Lifschitz was released earlier, while his wife, Yocheved, was freed two weeks after their abduction.

Hamas’ Ceasefire Agreement and Future Handover Plans

The bodies of Kfir, Ariel, Shiri, and Oded were handed over as part of the ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. backing. The Red Cross had called for the handover to be carried out with dignity, although Hamas’ public display of the bodies sparked growing condemnation.

This handover marked the first return of deceased hostages under the current agreement. However, Israel has not confirmed their identities until DNA testing is completed.

The October 7 Hamas-led attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, while 251 people were taken hostage. Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza have resulted in around 48,000 Palestinian casualties, according to health authorities. Gaza’s densely populated areas have been devastated.

The exchange will continue with six living hostages scheduled for release on Saturday in exchange for Palestinian detainees. These negotiations are expected to cover the return of around 60 hostages, less than half of whom are believed to be alive. Talks will also address the potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza to end the ongoing conflict.

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Hamas announced on Friday that three Israeli hostages, including an American dual national and the father of the youngest hostage taken during the October 7, 2023 attack, will be released from Gaza on Saturday.

The three individuals to be freed are Keith Siegel, Yarden Bibas, and Ofer Kalderon. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that their families had been notified of the release.

• Keith Siegel, an Israeli-American citizen, was taken from his home in kibbutz Kfar Aza. His wife, Aviva, was abducted with him but was released in November 2023 during a short-lived ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
• Yarden Bibas was kidnapped from kibbutz Nir Oz along with his wife, Shiri, and their two sons, Kfir and Ariel. Kfir, who was only nine months old at the time, became the youngest hostage taken during the October 7 attacks.
• Ofer Kalderon, 52 at the time of his kidnapping, was seized from kibbutz Nir Oz along with his son, Erez, who was 11, and his daughter, Sahar, who was 16. Both Erez and Sahar were released during the November ceasefire.

The hostages’ release comes as part of the ongoing efforts to secure the return of captives held by Hamas.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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Health Challenges Await Returning Hostages

Israel is bracing for the return of hostages from Gaza, anticipating severe and life-threatening health complications after more than a year in captivity. While the exact conditions of their imprisonment remain unclear, preparations by Israel’s Health Ministry and the Hostages Family Forum are based on data from previously released captives.

Hostages are expected to suffer from numerous health issues, including:

• Cardiovascular and respiratory problems due to inadequate ventilation.
• Vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, and starvation leading to dramatic weight loss.
• Cognitive impairment and mental health trauma from isolation and lack of sunlight.
• Physical injuries such as broken bones and mobility challenges.

Hostage Crisis Overview

On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants abducted around 250 people during a deadly cross-border attack, killing 1,200 Israelis. While about 100 hostages remain in Gaza, Israeli officials estimate that at least a third of them are no longer alive.

Medical Teams on High Alert

Doctors are preparing for complex medical conditions, such as:

• Refeeding Syndrome, a potentially fatal reaction to reintroducing food after prolonged starvation.
• Severe mental health symptoms, including speech impairments and emotional withdrawal.

Six hospitals, including two near Gaza, are on standby to treat returning hostages, prioritizing those with acute medical needs. Strict guidelines are in place for their initial care, especially regarding food intake.

Limited Contact and Sensory Accommodations

To minimize trauma, officials are:

• Reducing sensory stimulation in hospital rooms by altering lighting and removing unnecessary items.
• Restricting access to the hostages to direct family and medical staff only.
• Offering temporary housing for those unable to return home immediately.

Psychological Support and Privacy Emphasis

Health professionals emphasize the need for privacy and caution in handling returning hostages.
“The first days are sacred,” said psychoanalyst Ofrit Shapira. “Hostages need space to reunite with their families without intrusion.”

Media and public curiosity are discouraged, with experts warning against direct questioning that could trigger traumatic memories. “Our curiosity doesn’t matter,” Shapira added. “They owe us nothing.”

Support for Families of Hostages

Families of deceased or missing hostages face significant emotional challenges. Experts note that many previously freed captives and their families are volunteering to counsel those now enduring similar ordeals.

Israel has confirmed the deaths of at least one-third of the remaining 90 captives. For families awaiting news of loved ones, the hostage releases act as both a relief and a painful reminder of what might never be.

United in Recovery

Despite their struggles, released hostages and their families are forming strong support networks. “These bonds are like psychological families,” said Hagai Levine of the Hostages Families Forum, highlighting their role in helping survivors adapt and heal.

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Israel has delayed a cabinet vote on the proposed ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas, citing concerns that the group has not honored parts of the agreement. Despite these claims, Hamas insists it is committed to the truce.

The deal, reached on Wednesday, aims to pause the fighting in Gaza, facilitate the release of Israeli hostages, and free Palestinian prisoners. The three-phase deal, which is expected to begin Sunday, will span six weeks, although some details remain unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refrained from commenting on the deal until all details are finalized.

Escalating Violence in Gaza

Shortly after the deal was announced, Israeli airstrikes intensified, resulting in at least 45 deaths in Gaza City, according to Gaza Civil Defense. In the 24 hours following the announcement, the Israeli bombardment led to the highest daily death toll in over a week, with 81 Palestinians confirmed dead and at least 188 others injured.

Emergency crews described scenes of relentless airstrikes throughout the night. Tragically, 77 Palestinians, including 21 children and 25 women, were killed after the ceasefire was agreed upon. More than 250 others were injured. Among the casualties were two Palestinians who sought refuge in a school in the Zeitoun neighborhood and others who were struck in northern Gaza.

International Reactions and Calls for a Permanent Ceasefire

While the ceasefire and hostage deal were met with praise from international aid organizations, which vowed to increase their humanitarian efforts in Gaza, many human rights groups are pushing for a permanent ceasefire. The United Nations’ agency for Palestinian refugees has called for “rapid, unhindered, and uninterrupted humanitarian access” to Gaza to alleviate the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.

Political Complications for Netanyahu

Despite the international attention and the political significance of the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment publicly on the ceasefire agreement. The delay in the cabinet vote has raised questions about his political position and the internal opposition he faces.

Netanyahu has been walking a delicate line between public support for the release of hostages and the concerns of hardline ministers in his government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have expressed strong reservations about the ceasefire and the potential implications for Israel’s military operations in Gaza.

In a statement, Netanyahu’s office noted that Hamas had initially attempted to alter key elements of the deal, particularly concerning the deployment of Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza. However, the prime minister’s office insisted that the agreement remained largely intact after Hamas backed down from these demands.

Despite this, Israel’s cabinet said Thursday that it would not convene until it received confirmation from mediators that Hamas had agreed to all parts of the deal.

Protests Erupt in Israel Against the Ceasefire Deal

Meanwhile, protests erupted in Jerusalem on Thursday as demonstrators, opposed to the ceasefire, blocked roads leading into the city. In some areas, protesters carried signs declaring, “Yes to victory, no to surrender.” Others staged symbolic protests outside Israel’s Supreme Court, voicing their opposition to the deal with Hamas.

As tensions rise and the situation in Gaza remains dire, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, and the future of the truce and the wider conflict remains uncertain.

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Hamas is anticipated to release 33 hostages during the first phase of a ceasefire agreement currently being finalized in Doha, Israeli officials have reported. This development offers the first significant indication of progress toward ending the protracted Israel-Hamas conflict, which has persisted for 15 months and destabilized the region.

Highlights of the Emerging Agreement

• Hostages and Ceasefire: The deal, if finalized, would halt the fighting, enable the return of dozens of hostages, and significantly expand humanitarian aid to Gaza. This would mark a critical turning point since Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, during which 251 hostages were taken.
• Hostage Numbers: Hamas and its allies currently hold 94 of the initial hostages, with at least 34 confirmed dead. Most of the 33 hostages expected to be released are believed to be alive, but some bodies may also be returned.
• Timeline: The first phase is set to unfold during a 42-day ceasefire period, with negotiations for the next phase commencing on the 16th day.

Global Reactions and Progress

• US Leadership Involvement: President Joe Biden expressed optimism about the deal, emphasizing its potential to secure hostages’ release, halt fighting, and deliver vital humanitarian aid. Former President-elect Donald Trump also commented, citing progress in the negotiations.
• Diplomatic Efforts: A final round of proximity talks is scheduled in Doha, with key players including Mossad Director David Barnea and negotiators from Hamas, mediated by Qatari officials.

Proposed Terms

• Military Presence: Israeli forces will maintain control along the Philadelphi Corridor and a buffer zone within Gaza, sparking some contention over the width and terms of this zone.
• Prisoner Releases: Palestinian prisoners involved in attacks on Israelis will be relocated to Gaza or third countries, rather than the West Bank.
• Return of Displaced Residents: Northern Gaza residents will be permitted to return under “security arrangements” yet to be detailed.

Challenges Ahead

A senior Israeli official noted a breakthrough in the talks but warned that the deal still requires approval from Israel’s security and full government cabinets. There may also be potential Supreme Court petitions from opponents of the agreement.

Concerns About Stability

Former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed cautioned that the continued presence of both Israeli forces and Hamas during the ceasefire phase could lead to renewed hostilities. He highlighted the delicate balance needed to prevent flare-ups during the transition.

The Human Toll

The conflict has claimed devastating human lives. Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli military reports approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Ministry of Health estimates over 46,565 Palestinians have been killed, with more than 100,000 injured in Gaza.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite the fragile nature of the negotiations, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed cautious optimism. “We trust in those working tirelessly to bring our loved ones home and will not rest until the last hostage returns,” the group stated.

The coming days will be pivotal as negotiators in Doha work to finalize terms, raising the possibility of a truce and a gradual end to the devastating conflict.

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Palestinian officials have announced that Fatah and Hamas are close to reaching an agreement on forming a committee of politically independent technocrats to govern Gaza after the war. This move would effectively end Hamas’ rule over the region and could help push forward ceasefire negotiations with Israel.

The two factions, which have been at odds since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, have made several unsuccessful attempts at reconciliation. Israel, meanwhile, has ruled out any future role for either Hamas or Fatah, which leads the Palestinian Authority and is backed by Western powers.

A Palestinian Authority official confirmed on Tuesday that a preliminary agreement had been reached following weeks of talks in Cairo. The committee would consist of 12 to 15 members, most of whom would be from Gaza. The committee would report to the Palestinian Authority, based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and coordinate with local and international groups to oversee humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.

A Hamas official added that while the general terms of the agreement had been settled, some details and the identities of committee members are still under discussion. The final agreement is expected to be announced after a meeting of all Palestinian factions in Cairo, although no specific timeline has been provided. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are returned. He also stated that Israel would maintain long-term security control over Gaza, while local Palestinian administrators unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority would oversee civilian affairs in the region.

No Palestinians have publicly volunteered for such a role, and Hamas has warned anyone cooperating with the Israeli military. The United States has called for the Palestinian Authority to govern both the West Bank and Gaza as part of a future Palestinian state, although Israel opposes the creation of such a state. Israel is reportedly in talks with the United Arab Emirates, a country that normalized relations with Israel in 2020 and supports a rival faction of Fatah.

A Hamas official suggested that the emerging Palestinian agreement would achieve one of Israel’s war goals—ending Hamas’ rule in Gaza—but it is uncertain whether Israeli officials would view the agreement in this way.

Previous attempts at unity between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have failed, often due to power struggles between the two factions. There is also opposition to the current talks within Fatah. Jibril Rajoub, secretary-general of Fatah’s central committee, criticized the agreement, calling it a “mistake” to even discuss such an arrangement. He argued that it would only deepen the division between Gaza and the West Bank and that Hamas should allow the Palestinian Authority to retake control of Gaza.

The Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank, cooperates with Israel on security matters, a policy that is unpopular among many Palestinians who see it as collaboration with the Israeli occupation. Israel has criticized the Palestinian Authority for not doing enough to combat militancy or prevent incitement.

According to the Hamas official, the committee would take over Gaza’s administration once a ceasefire with Israel is agreed upon. U.S. and Arab mediators have been working on securing such a ceasefire for nearly a year, but talks have stalled multiple times.

Hamas sparked the war on October 7, 2023, when it launched an attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people—mostly civilians—and taking around 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliation has resulted in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths, many of them women and children, according to local health authorities. The conflict has also displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

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