Background on Key Figures and Context
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has seen failed truce negotiations, with Israel resuming its offensive in March following a two-month truce. The United States, represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff, has proposed a ceasefire agreement. President Donald Trump stated that a truce is “very close,” expressing optimism about the situation.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has emphasized the continuation of military operations “with full force” while evacuating local populations from combat zones. Katz warned Hamas, stating that they must either accept the terms of the Witkoff agreement for hostage release or face annihilation.
Hamas, a Palestinian Islamic organization that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, is at the center of this conflict. The group’s actions and Israel’s responses have significantly impacted the region, leading to a dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Despite a partial lifting of the blockade imposed by Israel on March 2, humanitarian aid has only begun to enter Gaza. However, according to UN agencies and the OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke, the situation remains grave. He described Gaza as “the place with the most hunger in the world,” stating that 100% of its population is at risk of starvation.
Furthermore, the UN condemned the looting of medical equipment and nutritional treatments intended for malnourished children by armed individuals in Gaza. This situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
“Crusade” Against Israel and Settlement Expansion
Israel has intensified the expansion of its settlements in the West Bank, announcing 22 new colonies this week. This move is considered illegal under international law and has been repeatedly denounced by the UN.
The UK described this action as a “deliberate obstacle” to the establishment of a Palestinian state. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson stated that this direction undermines efforts to achieve a two-state solution, with one Israeli and one Palestinian state.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, vowed to build a “Jewish and democratic State of Israel” in the West Bank. This statement can be seen as a direct response to French President Emmanuel Macron’s insistence that recognizing a Palestinian state is both a moral obligation and political necessity.
Macron declared that recognizing a Palestinian state is not merely a moral duty but also a political requirement. Israel accused Macron of waging a “crusade against the Jewish State.”
“Consultations” on the Agreement
Although the White House announced Thursday that Israel had accepted a US truce proposal, the Israeli government has yet to confirm this. The Palestinian movement stated that while the agreement does not meet their demands, it has not been outright rejected.
On Friday, they announced that they are “consulting” on the proposal. Meanwhile, Gaza’s Civil Defense reported at least 45 deaths on Friday due to Israeli attacks, including seven in a bombing of a family home in Jabaliya, northern Gaza.
The October 7 attack resulted in 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official data. Out of the 251 people kidnapped by Hamas that day, 57 remain in Gaza, with at least 34 having died, according to Israeli authorities. Hamas also holds the remains of an Israeli soldier killed in 2014.
Over 54,321 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died in Israel’s retaliatory military campaign, according to data from the Gaza Health Ministry, deemed reliable by the UN.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is involved in the conflict? The key figures are Israel, represented by Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Hamas, the Palestinian organization controlling Gaza since 2007.
- What is the current status of truce negotiations? Negotiations have failed so far, with Israel resuming its offensive in Gaza after a two-month truce. The US, through special envoy Steve Witkoff, has proposed a ceasefire agreement.
- What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza? Despite a partial lifting of Israel’s blockade, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. UN agencies report that 100% of the population is at risk of starvation, and medical supplies have been looted.
- What is the stance of international leaders on the conflict? French President Emmanuel Macron insists that recognizing a Palestinian state is both a moral obligation and political necessity. Israel accuses Macron of waging a “crusade against the Jewish State.” The UK describes Israel’s settlement expansion as a “deliberate obstacle” to a Palestinian state.
- What has been the impact of the conflict? The conflict has resulted in over 54,321 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, according to data from the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel has also experienced significant civilian casualties.
