Israeli Army Chief Advocates for Negotiation with Hamas, Disagrees with Netanyahu's War Stance, Favors Hostage Agreement

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a new ceasefire proposal has emerged, aiming to bring an end to the violence that has been raging since October 7, 2023. The war began when Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, resulting in around 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions.

The military campaign has displaced over one million people from Gaza, forcing them to seek refuge in camps in the south. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, with UN-backed monitors warning that famine is underway. Over half a million people in Gaza are facing "hunger, poverty, and death."

Israel's top military commander, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has stated that the army has finalized the terms for a possible agreement for the release of hostages held in Gaza. The proposal builds on a framework introduced in June by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and outlines a two-stage release of hostages during a 60-day ceasefire, followed by negotiations for a permanent truce.

Hamas has signaled its acceptance of the plan a week ago. The regional mediators who proposed the framework for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are Egypt and Qatar, working together with the United States, who conveyed the US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

The Israeli military response has since killed more than 62,686 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. These figures have been described as credible by the United Nations. The Israeli military acknowledged carrying out a strike that hit the area around Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on Monday, killing at least 15 people, including five journalists from Reuters, Al Jazeera, Associated Press, and NBC. The IDF has ordered an immediate preliminary investigation, expressing regret for harm caused to innocent people and not targeting journalists.

There is widespread public unrest in Israel, with tens of thousands demonstrating earlier this month in Tel Aviv, demanding an immediate end to the fighting and the safe return of captives. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has welcomed Zamir's statement and is preparing another mass protest against the government on Tuesday.

Netanyahu's office has previously taken a harder line, stating that Israel would only accept a deal that secured the release of all hostages at once. However, Netanyahu has vowed to "defeat Hamas" and has set a symbolic target to have full control of Gaza city by October 7. The statement by Lt. Gen. Zamir places fresh pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gen. Zamir has warned against a full takeover of Gaza city due to potential danger to hostages and army exhaustion.

Israel has dismissed reports of famine as "completely false." The crisis stems from Israel's blockade on food and humanitarian supplies. The new ceasefire proposal, if accepted, could bring a much-needed respite to the people of Gaza and potentially pave the way for a permanent solution to the conflict. The regional mediators from Egypt and Qatar have presented the proposal to Israel's security cabinet, scheduled for discussion on Tuesday.

Israeli Army Chief Advocates for Negotiation with Hamas, Disagrees with Netanyahu's War Stance, Favors Hostage Agreement