Hamas "Receives a New Proposal" for a Ceasefire, and the Palestinian Authority Will Soon Announce a Committee to Manage Gaza Affairs: Diplomatic and Internal Moves Amid Escalating Humanitarian Crises

The situation in Gaza has seen intense movement on both diplomatic and internal fronts. Hamas has received a new ceasefire proposal, while the Palestinian Authority is preparing to form a temporary committee to manage the strip. These developments come against a backdrop of a catastrophic humanitarian situation and growing protests in Israel demanding an end to the war and the return of hostages.

A New Ceasefire Proposal on the Horizon

A Hamas delegation in Cairo has received a new proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators regarding a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. According to a knowledgeable Palestinian official, this proposal is based on a previous plan by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which includes a 60-day truce and the release of Israeli prisoners in two phases. The new proposal serves as a foundation for launching indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a permanent ceasefire. This move follows massive demonstrations in Israel, where hundreds of thousands took to the streets to demand an end to the war and a deal to secure the return of hostages held by Hamas, reflecting increasing public pressure on the Israeli government.

The Palestinian Authority Prepares to Manage Gaza

On the internal Palestinian front, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa announced the imminent formation of a temporary committee to manage the affairs of the Gaza Strip, which will be accountable to the Palestinian government. Mustafa clarified that this committee is not a new political entity but rather a reactivation of the institutions of the State of Palestine and its government in Gaza, in accordance with the Basic Law and the resolutions of the Arab League and international bodies. He affirmed the Palestinian government's readiness to assume its responsibilities in the strip, emphasizing that Gaza is an inseparable part of the State of Palestine.

In a related context, Mustafa stressed the necessity of keeping the Rafah crossing open permanently, considering its closure as a tool used by Israel to starve the Palestinian people and prevent them from receiving essential aid. He also noted that the Palestinian government is working with their Egyptian counterparts to prepare for a reconstruction conference in Cairo as soon as possible, aiming to rebuild the strip in partnership with Arab and international friends.

Deepening Humanitarian Crisis and Starvation Accusations

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening significantly. The government media office in the strip reported that the amount of aid entering is minimal compared to the actual needs. The office accused Israel of "facilitating the theft" of aid trucks, leading to a deliberate security vacuum aimed at starving the Palestinian people. Amnesty International has also accused Israel of pursuing a "deliberate starvation" policy in Gaza, which has led to an increase in deaths from malnutrition. The number of victims has reached 263, including 112 children.

Widespread Protests in Israel

Tel Aviv witnessed massive protests where hundreds of thousands demanded an end to the war and the release of hostages. Demonstrators chanted slogans like "Bring them all home... Stop the war." These protests were met with sharp criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers in his government, who claimed they "strengthen Hamas's position and delay the release of hostages." In contrast, opposition leader Yair Lapid defended the protesters, affirming that they represent the wonderful spirit of the Israeli people who are demonstrating for solidarity.