As the war in Gaza nears two years of unrelenting violence, hope flickers once again—but with conditions. On August 20, a senior Israeli official reaffirmed that any future ceasefire deal must ensure the release of all hostages, standing firm even as Hamas accepted a new proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
Hamas’s acceptance signals rare progress in a brutal conflict that has taken a massive toll on civilians and soldiers alike. The Qatari foreign ministry noted that Hamas’s response to the latest proposal was “almost identical” to terms Israel had previously accepted, calling it a “positive point”—though not yet a breakthrough.
Israel, however, has yet to give a formal response. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated last week that only a deal guaranteeing all hostages’ release, under Israeli terms, would be acceptable to end the war.
Behind the political lines lies a deeper human urgency. Of the 251 hostages taken in Hamas’s October 2023 attack, 49 remain in Gaza, with the military stating that 27 of them are no longer alive. Families continue to live in agony, desperately awaiting answers and a chance at reunion.
Meanwhile, the latest truce proposal—reported by Egypt’s Al-Qahera News—suggests a 60-day halt in fighting, partial hostage releases, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners, and the flow of critical aid into Gaza.
Inside Gaza, the suffering is unthinkable. On Tuesday alone, Israeli strikes killed 48 people. In Gaza City’s Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods, shelling was reported to be ongoing. “The situation is very dangerous and unbearable,” said civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal.
At the same time, in the ruined streets of northern Gaza, everyday survival is a struggle. “This bag is worth the whole world,” said Shawg Al-Badri, who carried flour—referred to as “white gold”—for hours back to her tent.
Public pressure is mounting in Israel too. On Sunday, tens of thousands protested in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the war and action to bring the hostages home.
Still, internal political rifts are deepening. Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir warned of “tragedy” if Netanyahu accepts the current terms. On the other side, Hamas officials accuse Israel of using negotiations to delay and prolong what they call genocide and ethnic cleansing.
With more than 62,000 Palestinians killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and 1,219 Israelis dead from Hamas’s October attack, the human cost has become unbearable for all sides.
The question remains: will leaders finally listen to the cries of their people and seize this chance for peace?
