Large-scale demonstration in Jerusalem - family members of captives press for a negotiation settlement

In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a stalemate has emerged in the negotiations for a ceasefire. The latest development comes as Hamas has agreed to a proposal by mediators for a ceasefire, but the Forum of Families of the Hostages Held in Gaza criticizes Israel for not reacting to Hamas' response.

The proposed ceasefire, which provides for a 60-day truce, includes the release of initially ten living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, the Forum of Hostage Families has criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for prioritizing his political survival over the necessity of ending the war and returning hostages.

Netanyahu, on the other hand, insists on a comprehensive deal in which all hostages are released at once. He also demands the surrender and disarmament of Hamas, a demand that Hamas has rejected. Netanyahu also wants to retain security control over the Gaza Strip, while Hamas demands the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops.

The right-wing extremist coalition partners of Netanyahu are against a ceasefire, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations. Thousands of people have protested outside Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem, demanding immediate negotiations and an end to the war.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to end the war are being led by the USA, Qatar, and Egypt. The search results do not provide information on which mediator countries are planning to present a new ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip this week. A new proposal for an agreement is expected to be presented this week, which would include the release of all hostages and an end to the war.

In a significant development, Hamas has released a video showing Gilboa-Dalal, one of the hostages, sitting in a car, claiming he is in Gaza City. The footage is said to be from late August, but the circumstances under which it was made and whether he spoke freely or under duress are initially unclear. Relatives of Gilboa-Dalal and Alon Ohel, who is also a German citizen, believe they were taken to Gaza City before its planned takeover.

Israel's army has declared a coastal area in southern Gaza, Al-Mawasi near Khan Yunis, a 'humanitarian zone' with essential humanitarian infrastructure such as field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination plants. However, the area is already severely overcrowded due to Israel's previous declaration of Al-Mawasi as a 'humanitarian zone' in December 2023.

Hamas is open to any ideas and proposals that would lead to a lasting ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, the import of humanitarian aid, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. It remains unclear whether Hamas would be willing to release all remaining hostages at once.

As the conflict continues, the international community and the families of the hostages await a resolution to this ongoing crisis. The stalemate in negotiations and the continued violence in Gaza highlight the urgency for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.

Large-scale demonstration in Jerusalem - family members of captives press for a negotiation settlement