Amid reports of a tentative agreement between Israel, the United States, and Hamas to release dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza, Israeli bombings on the region continue to cause devastation. The IDF has escalated its activities in Gaza, resulting in attacks on civilian areas and schools serving as shelters for displaced people.
While the White House has denied these reports, efforts are ongoing to secure an agreement that would involve a five-day break in fighting. However, with Hamas still holding 239 prisoners and negotiations yet to yield results, the establishment of a ceasefire remains uncertain.
US President Joe Biden has called for the Palestinian National Authority to govern Gaza and the West Bank at the end of the war. He has also ordered sanctions and visa bans against extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank. Despite these efforts, pressure is mounting on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a complete ceasefire.
In light of these developments, it remains unclear what the future holds for Gaza and its people. As tensions rise and innocent lives are lost, hope for peace seems increasingly elusive.