Background on Key Figures and Relevance
Benjamin Netanyahu, the current Prime Minister of Israel, has pledged to return all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This commitment comes amidst ongoing military operations and a proposed 60-day ceasefire suggested by U.S. President Donald Trump, which Hamas is currently evaluating.
Netanyahu’s Promise and the Proposed Ceasefire
On Thursday, Netanyahu vowed to bring back all the hostages during a visit to the kibbutz Nir Oz, a community where Hamas militants had previously abducted residents. He stated, “I have a deep commitment, first and foremost, to ensure the return of all kidnapped individuals.”
Trump announced that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, which could potentially lead to the return of those still held captive following Hamas’s October 2023 attack that sparked the war. Trump emphasized his priority for ensuring the safety of Gaza’s residents, acknowledging their suffering.
Israeli Leaders’ Objective and Military Operations
Despite the proposed ceasefire by Trump, Israeli leaders have reiterated their goal of eliminating Hamas. Recently, Israel expanded its military operations in the Gaza Strip, which is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to the ongoing war and Israeli blockade, causing nearly all of its 2 million inhabitants to be displaced.
Many sought refuge in former schools, which have repeatedly come under fire from the Israeli military. The Israeli army claims they are targeting Hamas operatives hiding among civilians. However, critics argue that these actions put civilians at risk.
Attack on a School and Humanitarian Concerns
On Thursday, an attack on a school sheltering displaced persons resulted in 15 fatalities. Mahmud Basal, a spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense, reported that 73 people died due to bombing, artillery, or Israeli gunfire.
Among the deceased were 38 Palestinians who had gathered to receive humanitarian aid in three locations in central and southern Gaza.
The Israeli military claimed that the attack targeted a “key Hamas terrorist” operating in a command and control center in Gaza City. They asserted that precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision-guided munitions and aerial surveillance.
“This Is Not Life”
Survivors of the school attack, like Um Yasin Abu Awda, expressed their despair at the living conditions. “This is not life. We have suffered enough,” she said from the Al Shifa hospital.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, with an unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel, resulting in 1,219 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli data.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has reportedly killed 57,130 people, mostly civilians, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. The United Nations considers these figures reliable.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Benjamin Netanyahu? Benjamin Netanyahu is the Prime Minister of Israel, who has pledged to return all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
- What is the proposed ceasefire? U.S. President Donald Trump suggested a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, which Israel agreed to and Hamas is currently evaluating.
- What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza? The ongoing conflict and Israeli blockade have caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with nearly all of its 2 million residents displaced.
- What happened during the school attack? An Israeli attack on a school sheltering displaced persons resulted in 15 fatalities and 73 deaths overall on Thursday.
- How do Israeli military operations affect civilians? Critics argue that Israeli military actions, such as targeting areas near civilian gathering places, put civilians at risk.
