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Hamas claims there will be no disarmament unless a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. They state that they will not give up their weapons otherwise. The group, which has controlled Gaza since 2007 but has been heavily militarily damaged by Israel, insists it will continue armed resistance.
Negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages recently ended without agreement. Meanwhile, Hamas has released a second video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David, who appears gaunt and is seen digging a hole, claiming it is for his own grave.
David’s brother, Ilay, warned at a rally in Tel Aviv supporting the hostages that they are on the verge of death and may only have days left to live under their harsh conditions. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the situation, stating the international community cannot remain silent over the graphic images of hostage suffering, including starvation.
Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, visited Israel and spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a recording reviewed by Reuters, Witkoff said they are working on a comprehensive plan with Israel for Gaza’s reconstruction, which would effectively end the war. The White House did not respond immediately to request for details on his comments.
Witkoff also mentioned that Hamas might disarm to end the conflict, though the group has consistently refused to surrender its weapons. Hamas reiterated its stance that it will maintain “armed resistance” until an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is achieved.
Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, seeking a ceasefire and hostage releases, concluded last week without progress. On Saturday, Hamas released another video of Evyatar David, showing him in a depleted state, claiming he is preparing his own burial site.
His brother, Ilay, emphasized at a rally that the hostages are in dire condition, with some only days away from death. Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Sa’ar, demanded the world condemn the hostage abuses, including starvation.
In response to the worsening humanitarian situation, Witkoff visited aid agencies in southern Gaza, where the UN has criticized the partial aid efforts and called for increased access. Gaza’s health ministry reports recent deaths from malnutrition following Israel’s blockade of supplies for nearly three months.
Israel blames Hamas for Gaza’s suffering and claims it is taking steps to facilitate aid, such as pausing fighting during parts of the day, conducting air drops, and establishing routes for convoys. However, UN officials say these measures are insufficient, and much more aid needs to be allowed in by land to prevent further tragedy.
The conflict erupted when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing over 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. Currently, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only around 20 believed to be alive.
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