Overview

• The six-week first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire ended with no agreement on the next steps, leaving the truce fragile and unresolved.
• Israel's new proposal, reportedly from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, demands Hamas release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for extending the ceasefire, without committing to troop withdrawal or a permanent truce.
• Hamas has rejected the new terms, accusing Israel of violating the original agreement and using aid suspension as blackmail, while calling for immediate negotiations on the second phase of the deal.
• International criticism has mounted over Israel's decision to block aid, with the U.N., Egypt, and Qatar condemning the move as a potential violation of humanitarian law.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu faces domestic and political pressure, with far-right coalition members threatening to withdraw support if Israel agrees to a full Gaza withdrawal, while hostage families demand a resolution.