A senior Hamas leader has stated the group is prepared to enter negotiations for a comprehensive agreement to end the Gaza conflict, involving the exchange of all remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian detainees, while rejecting any temporary ceasefire offers from Israel. In a televised address, Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas's leader in Gaza and head negotiator, made it clear the group will no longer accept partial deals—an approach Israel is unlikely to support.

Hayya emphasized that Hamas is pushing for an agreement that would ensure the release of all hostages, a complete halt to the fighting, freedom for Palestinians in Israeli jails, and a commitment to rebuilding Gaza. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of using temporary agreements to further his political aims and prolong what he described as a campaign of destruction and starvation, even at the cost of losing hostages.

US Engaging in Secret Talks with Hamas: Earlier this month, Reuters reported that U.S. officials had held direct discussions with Hamas in Doha, aiming to secure the release of American hostages. The talks were led by Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs. This was a major policy shift, as the U.S. had long avoided direct contact with Hamas, which has been designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. since 1997. While focused on American captives, the discussions also touched on the potential for a broader ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

Israel Expands Military Operations: In early April, Israel revealed plans to intensify its ground campaign in Gaza, aiming to capture key areas and create wider security zones. Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that civilians would be evacuated from conflict zones and called on Gazans to turn against Hamas to help end the war and secure the release of hostages. Evacuation orders have been issued in southern Gaza, with the Rafah area nearly deserted, according to local radio.

Rising Death Toll and Violence: On Tuesday, Hamas's military wing claimed it had lost contact with the group guarding Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander following an Israeli airstrike. Alexander, 21, from New Jersey, was serving in the Israeli military. By Thursday, Israeli airstrikes had killed at least 32 Palestinians, including women and children, according to local health officials. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. Since then, over 51,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.