Background on Key Figures and Context
On Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip will only be freed if the Palestinian group is “confronted and destroyed.” Trump, a Republican businessman, claims his negotiation efforts previously led to the release of “hundreds” of hostages by Hamas.
Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist organization that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, is considered a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States and Israel. The group’s military wing is known for launching rocket attacks against Israel.
Israeli Government’s Demands
On Sunday, the Israeli government reiterated its demand that Hamas immediately release all hostages in their custody, whether alive or dead. The government also called for Hamas’ disarmament, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli control over the enclave’s perimeter, and the establishment of a Palestinian government separate from Hamás and the Palestinian Authority that “coexists peacefully with Israel.”
Thousands of people protested across Israel on Saturday, particularly in Tel Aviv, during a national strike to urge Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prioritize hostage lives before launching another offensive in Gaza.
Casualties from the Military Offensive
According to an updated tally by Gaza’s Hamás-controlled authorities, over 62,000 Palestinians have died due to Israel’s military offensive launched in October 2023. In the past 24 hours, Hamás reported an additional 60 fatalities.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Donald Trump? Donald Trump is a former U.S. President who served from January 2017 to January 2021.
- What is Hamas? Hamas is a Palestinian Islamist organization that governs the Gaza Strip and is designated as a terrorist group by numerous countries, including the U.S. and Israel.
- What are the current tensions between Israel and Gaza? Tensions have escalated due to Israel’s military offensive in Gaza since October 2023, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties. Protests in Israel demand prioritizing hostage lives before any further military action.
- What are the Israeli government’s demands regarding Hamas? The Israeli government calls for Hamás’ disarmament, demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli control over the enclave’s perimeter, and the establishment of a separate Palestinian government that coexists peacefully with Israel.
