Israeli diplomats have indicated a possible advancement in resolving the hostage situation between Israel and Hamas, following Israel’s acceptance of a proposal for a six-week ceasefire. During this period, Hamas would release 33 hostages, including children, the elderly, women, and wounded captives. This gesture could lead to a “restoration of sustainable calm,” a move embraced by mediators. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken labeled the proposal “extraordinarily generous,” urging Hamas for a prompt response toward a ceasefire. The negotiation talks are being facilitated by the U.S., along with Qatar and Egypt, in Cairo.

In related developments, a series of Israeli airstrikes targeted the southern Gazan city of Rafah and Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, resulting in at least 27 casualties in Rafah alone. These actions have followed urgent appeals for restraint from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and U.S President Joe Biden. The strikes have caused international apprehensions about a potential large-scale Israeli ground assault and adherence to humanitarian standards, given the use of U.S.-supplied weapons.

In diplomatic circles, UK Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, called on Hamas to accept the ceasefire proposal, which includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. He emphasized the urgency of an immediate cessation of hostilities to facilitate humanitarian aid and spearhead a sustainable peace process aimed at a two-state solution. The UK government continues to push for an immediate resolution, highlighting global efforts to end the conflict and establish peace in the region.