Hamas Demands Ceasefire Assurances as Israeli Attacks Continue in Gaza

Hamas is asking for strong guarantees that a U.S.-backed ceasefire plan will lead to a complete end to the ongoing war in Gaza. This comes as Israel continues its airstrikes, which reportedly killed at least 59 people on Thursday, according to local health officials. Despite hopes for a breakthrough, fighting on the ground has not stopped.

U.S. President Donald Trump recently said Israel had agreed to the terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire, during which both sides would work toward ending the conflict. Hamas, however, wants clear confirmation that the ceasefire will result in a permanent end to the war. Talks are ongoing with help from Egyptian and Qatari mediators who are trying to secure guarantees from the U.S. and others.

Israeli officials say they are ready to move forward if Hamas agrees. The deal includes the gradual release of 10 Israeli hostages and the return of 18 bodies in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Humanitarian aid would enter Gaza immediately, and Israel would begin to pull back troops from some areas.

Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza. Reports say Israeli attacks killed civilians heading to get aid and struck a school, killing several people. Witnesses described chaos and destruction, asking if it’s fair that so many children are suffering. The war, which began in October 2023, has already claimed over 57,000 Palestinian lives, while Israel says it won’t stop until Hamas is disarmed and removed from power.