Israel is now open to a second temporary cease-fire, offering a pause in the war for one week and additional humanitarian aid in exchange for hostages taken by Hamas. Israel is demanding the release of more than three dozen hostages, and the country reports that over 100 people are still being held captive.
This is first time Israel has put an offer on the table since November’s pause. However, it is unknown when Hamas will be open to a deal after the group said no more hostages would be released unless Israel permanently ends the war.
Both Egypt and Qatar are playing key roles in negotiating between Israel and Hamas. The BBC reported that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has traveled to Cairo, potentially signaling a significant stage in the second round of negotiations.
While Hamas wants Israel to call back its troops for good, Israel said that will only happen when Hamas is destroyed following the Oct. 7 attacks.
In recent days, Hamas released more footage of frail Israelis pleading to be brought home.
According to media reports in Israel, Israel is asking for the remaining women hostages be released, along with men who are elderly and in need of urgent medical attention.
Doctors who have treated hostages report patients being branded, echoing how Jews were treated during the Holocaust. Doctors also said there was a significant amount of sexual abuse and evidence of physical and mental torture.
A prominent Jew here in America, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, met with some of the hostages who were released during the first temporary cease-fire. Seinfeld promised families he would raise awareness about the torture hostages are being experiencing from Hamas.
Seinfeld wore a dog tag around his neck that said, “Bring them home.”
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