The cautious optimism that followed Israel and Hamas agreeing to the three-stage proposal in mid-January, at the urging of Trump, has been wiped away and replaced by despair and fear about what comes next.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which lasted for seven days, has collapsed, leading to renewed hostilities in Gaza. During the ceasefire, there was an exchange of hostages and prisoners, with Hamas releasing over 100 hostages, including foreigners, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. However, with the ceasefire's end, Israel has resumed its military operations, targeting Hamas positions in Gaza. The breakdown of the ceasefire has raised concerns about the potential for increased violence and civilian casualties. International efforts to mediate and possibly reinstate a ceasefire are ongoing, but the immediate future looks uncertain as both sides have shown little willingness to back down. The situation has also drawn global attention, with calls for a more permanent solution to the conflict.
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