Hamas is open to a new ceasefire – what comes next?

Hamas is open to a new ceasefire – what comes next?

The situation in the Gaza conflict remains tense as efforts to reach a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas intensify. [Bietigheimer Zeitung](https://www.bietigheimerzeitung.de/content.lage-im-ueberblick-hamas-reagiert-positiv-auf-vorschlag-fuer-neue- Waffenruhe.8bc9ac47-0cf3-4b08-ae4d-329cc74287fe.html) reports unclear conditions of the mediators' new proposal, which calls for the release of ten of at least 20 alive hostages. In return, Hamas is demanding the handover of bodies of 18 kidnapped people and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons.

Hamas has also demanded a guarantee for a permanent end to the fighting. Previous ceasefire deals often failed due to different ideas, while detailed issues for a permanent ceasefire are currently being negotiated during the ceasefire. However, Israel reserves the right to take military action after 60 days if negotiations fail. High-ranking Israeli ex-military officials said that an end to the Gaza war was necessary to secure the lives of the hostages and Israeli soldiers.

Chronology of the conflict

In the context of the current negotiations, the chronology of events is important. The attack by Hamas and other Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023 resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel and the abduction of approximately 250 people. Israel's response included airstrikes on the Gaza Strip and the mobilization of reservists. This had devastating consequences; More than 45,000 Palestinians died and over 100,000 were injured.

Israel's war goals focused on destroying Hamas and freeing the hostages. After a ceasefire at the end of November 2023, which was reached through international mediation, 105 hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly emphasized that the full return of all abductees is a top priority.

Progress and challenges

There were further setbacks in the months that followed, including the incident in mid-December 2023 in which three hostages were accidentally shot by Israeli soldiers. Military operations by Israel led to massive airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. A decisive turning point also occurred after the death of Hamas leader Jihia Sinwar on October 16, 2024, which pushed the negotiations forward.

Significant progress was finally achieved on January 15, 2025, when an agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas. This agreement included the first phase of a ceasefire in which 33 Israeli hostages were exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. There are currently 98 hostages in the Gaza Strip, although the exact number of hostages alive remains unclear.

The ongoing protests by the hostages' relatives illustrate the pressure on the negotiating partners. They are vehemently calling for new talks to release the remaining hostages and have mobilized tens of thousands of people to highlight their concerns. These developments show how fragile and complex the situation remains while the world public hopes for a sustainable solution.