Hamas Responds to Ceasefire Proposal as Israel Considers Aid for Gaza - Middle East Crisis Update

Israel is reviewing a revised response from Hamas to a proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal. Israeli air and ground strikes continue to pound the Gaza Strip. Hamas confirmed submitting a new proposal, but its contents remain undisclosed. Talks face challenges regarding Israeli military withdrawal details and aid distribution during a truce.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet includes far-right parties opposing any agreement not leading to the total destruction of Hamas. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasized the need for Hamas's absolute surrender.

Gaza is facing man-made mass starvation due to the Israeli blockade of aid. The World Health Organization highlighted the dire situation, with over 100 agencies urging Israel to allow supplies in. The Gaza health ministry reported ten more deaths from starvation, bringing the total to 111. Twenty-one children under five have died from malnutrition this year.

A family of seven, including children, were among the casualties of Israeli strikes. Brazil is preparing to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Former UK ambassadors and diplomats are pressuring Keir Starmer to recognize a Palestinian state.

The archbishop of York condemned the dehumanization in Gaza as 'depraved' and 'barbaric.' Israel’s president Isaac Herzog mentioned 'intensive negotiations' for returning hostages in Gaza.

According to the source: The Guardian.