Behind the veneer of fruitful talks of a ceasefire, Israel continues to bombard Gaza, and the casualties are multiplying every day. It is reported that 70 Palestinians have been killed in the attacks in recent days. The casualties also include innocents who were waiting at a food distribution centre. More than 50,000 people have been killed and 100,000 injured in Gaza so far.

More than 1.7 million of Gaza's 2.3 million people were forced to flee their homes and move to southern Gaza. A large swath of land in northern Gaza has now fallen into Israel’s hands. Despite inviting severe international criticism, Israel shows no signs of stopping the war unless they see the total decimation of Hamas. However, there are signs that peace may finally return to Gaza with the help of US intervention.

World powers hope that final talks on implementing the ceasefire will begin soon. Although Israel has already accepted the draft ceasefire agreement, it has not yet agreed to a proper ceasefire. Hamas has informed mediators Qatar and Egypt about their wish to reach a détente with the zionists. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is in Washington for talks with President Trump. Trump is widely expected to announce a ceasefire in the coming days. Continuing the war would impose an unbearable economic burden, which would affect major countries in the world.

Hamas demanded that the responsibility for distributing aid in Gaza be handed over to the UN and its partners. The aid is currently being distributed by a US-Israeli-backed organization. Hamas fears the chances of agents of the Israeli spy agency Mossad infiltrating their ranks to eliminate the leaders. The US position will be crucial in disputes including this. In reality, there should be a permanent ceasefire, not a 60-day one. The government in Tel Aviv fears backlash from citizens if the war ends without the full release of the hostages. 20 of the 50 hostages are still alive. Hamas must also hand over the bodies of the dead Israeli hostages.

Hamas is concerned that Israel will launch a massive attack if all the hostages are released, amidst a vague confirmation from the US. One of the important provisions of the draft agreement is that the Israeli army must withdraw from parts of Gaza in a phased manner.

Gaza must have already gone through a horror unlike anything seen in other countries. There is no point continuing with the atrocities which will enfeeble the lion’s majority of peace-loving people across the world. Qatar is in an ideal position to pressure the United States on how to deal with Israel. The coming week will be very crucial, with the world awaiting a major announcement from the Oval Office.