Israel and Hamas at Odds Over US Peace Proposal

Israel has accepted a framework deal proposed by US President Joe Biden to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The deal, however, is seen as flawed by Israeli officials and requires further refinement. The main objective of the deal is to secure the release of all hostages held by Hamas, with Israel maintaining its conditions, including the demand for the destruction of Hamas as a terrorist organization.

President Biden has laid out a three-phase plan to bring an end to the conflict. The plan involves initiating a truce and the return of some hostages, followed by negotiations for a permanent cessation of hostilities. This plan introduces a role for Hamas in the process, which conflicts with Israel's aim of eliminating the group entirely.

Past ceasefire attempts have faltered due to Israel's insistence on temporary pauses until Hamas is completely eradicated. In contrast, Hamas is pushing for a permanent resolution to the conflict as a prerequisite for releasing hostages.

While Biden's proposal envisions a Gaza without Hamas in power, it lacks specific details on how this goal would be achieved. Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains a firm stance that a permanent ceasefire will only be considered once all objectives are met.

Internally, the Israeli government is under pressure, with far-right partners threatening to withdraw support if they perceive any leniency towards Hamas. A centrist partner, however, is open to exploring the proposed deal.

On the other side, Hamas is demanding an end to the offensive, withdrawal of Israeli forces, freedom of movement for Palestinians, and aid for reconstruction. Israeli officials reject these demands, citing Hamas' history of seeking Israel's destruction.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll on Gaza, with over 36,000 Palestinians reported killed in the ongoing violence.

The situation in Gaza remains complex, with Israel accepting a US-proposed framework deal while expressing reservations about its terms. The path to a lasting peace agreement continues to face challenges, with differing objectives between the involved parties. The future of Gaza hinges on the ability of all sides to find common ground and work towards a sustainable resolution.