Ceasefire framework emerges in Gaza amid relentless Israeli strikes

As the war on Gaza reaches its 600th day a tentative ceasefire framework between Hamas and a US envoy offers a rare glimmer of hope

GAZA, Palestine (MNTV) — In yet another deadly day for Gaza, at least 43 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the besieged territory, including veteran journalist Osama al-Arbid and his family in the northern Strip.

The 600th day of Israel’s war on Gaza brought not just more bodies, but also a potential political turning point — a framework agreement between Hamas and the United States for a permanent ceasefire.

The Palestinian resistance group announced on Wednesday that it had reached an understanding with U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff on the outlines of a deal that could end the war.

The proposed framework includes a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, and the formation of a professional committee to manage post-ceasefire Gaza.

In exchange, Hamas would release 10 Israeli prisoners and return the remains of several others in a prisoner swap mediated by international actors.

While details remain tentative and subject to further negotiation, the announcement marks the most significant breakthrough in months of failed talks and ongoing bloodshed.

Despite these diplomatic stirrings, the situation on the ground remains dire.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that 54,056 Palestinians have been killed and 123,129 injured since the beginning of Israel’s campaign in 600 days.

The toll continues to rise amid near-daily attacks, with humanitarian groups warning of collapse.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Simultaneously, a genocide case against Israel is proceeding at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), further isolating Tel Aviv diplomatically.

Adding to the domestic pressure on the Israeli government, families of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza blocked a major highway in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, demanding a resolution to bring their loved ones home — even at the cost of halting the war.

The protest highlighted growing dissent within Israeli society, increasingly divided over the war’s continuation.

Meanwhile, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which operates with U.S. and Israeli backing, reported that food aid continues to be distributed at two functioning sites.

“Approximately 14,550 food boxes have been distributed so far,” the foundation said, estimating the rations could provide over 840,000 meals. Plans are underway to expand to four sites across Gaza, though aid groups warn these efforts remain vastly insufficient given the scale of need.

Outside of Gaza, the violence has spilled over into the occupied West Bank. On Wednesday, Israeli soldiers shot and killed 20-year-old Jassem al-Sadda while he slept in his home in the village of Jit, near Qalqilya.

His family said he was shot without warning and that ambulances were blocked from reaching him.

Since March 18 — the date a previous ceasefire was violated — 3,924 Palestinians have been killed and 11,267 wounded, according to Gaza’s health authorities.

International outcry continues to mount.

A coalition of 380 prominent British and Irish writers and cultural figures signed an open letter this week accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. Among the signatories are novelists Ian McEwan, Zadie Smith, Elif Shafak, and historian William Dalrymple.

The letter, coordinated by writers Horatio Clare, Kapka Kassabova, and Monique Roffey, argues that the time for neutrality is over.

“The use of the words ‘genocide’ or ‘acts of genocide’ to describe what is happening in Gaza is no longer debated by international legal experts,” the letter states, urging global action and an immediate ceasefire. “Our moral fitness as the writers of our time diminishes with every day we refuse to speak out.”