On Wednesday evening, five rockets were fired from northern Gaza at Ashdod, with Hamas later claiming responsibility. Earlier in the week, there were additional rocket launches targeting southern Israel and an aid distribution site. On Thursday, an officer was seriously injured, and two other soldiers were lightly wounded in an attack on an army post in central Gaza. These events occurred while Hamas was considering a US-brokered ceasefire-hostage proposal, which Israel had agreed to.
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On Wednesday evening, the Israeli military intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla as it approached the Gaza strip, leading to the detention of climate activist Greta Thunberg. The IDF confirmed the flotilla was stopped and passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port, also stating Thunberg was safe. Thunberg was aboard the Alma aid vessel, one of six ships intercepted, with the flotilla’s Instagram reporting the military used water cannons on activists. Newsweek is seeking comment from the IDF and the flotilla.
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Amidst pressure from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, Hamas is considering US President Trump’s proposed ceasefire deal, though reports suggest the group views it as unjust. The deal, endorsed by Israel, includes a three-phase withdrawal, hostage release, and prisoner exchange, as well as the demilitarization of Gaza. While the proposal enjoys widespread international support, including from Russia and the Vatican, Hamas is reportedly hesitant due to concerns about its terms and potential for “foreign control,” with the group possibly seeking adjustments. Anti-Israel groups in the US have strongly denounced the plan, viewing it as a blueprint for surrender and occupation, while Hamas has been given approximately two days to respond.
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Hamas is expected to reject the Trump administration’s peace plan for Gaza. A Hamas official informed the BBC that the plan prioritizes Israeli interests while disregarding the needs of the Palestinian people. This stance suggests a likely impasse in negotiations, as the group views the proposal as unfavorable to their objectives. The official’s statement indicates Hamas’s firm opposition to the plan.
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As the Global Sumud Flotilla neared a “critical zone” off the Gaza coast, the Israeli Navy prepared to intercept the vessels carrying over 500 activists, including Greta Thunberg. Israeli authorities have indicated that those detained will be deported or detained. The flotilla’s organizers rejected Italy’s calls to halt the mission, alleging the Italian government’s actions amounted to “sabotage” amid the anticipated intervention. Some vessels may be sunk by the Navy following the interception.
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Israeli envoy Danny Danon warned that if Hamas rejects the Trump peace plan for Gaza, Israel would be prepared to take further action. He made this statement at a UN event commemorating the upcoming second anniversary of the Hamas attack that initiated the war in the Palestinian enclave. This threat implies potential escalation of conflict should Hamas refuse to negotiate. Danon’s remarks highlight the complex political tensions and the potential consequences of continued disagreement regarding the future of Gaza.
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A senior Hamas official has stated that the group is likely to reject the Trump peace plan for Gaza, as it is perceived to prioritize Israel’s interests and neglect Palestinian needs. Key concerns include the requirement to disarm and hand over hostages, which are seen as detrimental to their bargaining position. The group also objects to the potential deployment of an International Stabilisation Force, viewing it as a form of occupation. Furthermore, statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the plan, appear to contradict the framework’s stipulations.
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Hamas and other Palestinian factions are considering President Trump’s 20-point peace proposal presented alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, prisoner exchanges, increased aid, and an interim Palestinian administration overseen by an international board, with Israel maintaining security control. Key Arab nations, including Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, have voiced support for the plan, emphasizing the importance of partnership with the United States. The Palestinian Authority also supports the proposal, which would allow them to regain control of Gaza once reforms are implemented.
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Trump gives Hamas ‘3 to 4 days’ to agree to the White House proposal or face a “sad end,” a statement that immediately grabs attention. The implication is clear: accept the terms of the proposal, or face consequences. He frames this as a generous offer, the “best proposal” they’ll ever receive, emphasizing the potential for “tremendous” and “incredible” outcomes if Hamas agrees. However, the alternative paints a bleak picture: a “very bad ending,” a “sad end,” which he claims he dislikes. The urgency conveyed through the short timeframe, a mere three to four days, amplifies the pressure.
The White House proposal itself, as it’s been presented, appears to center around the release of hostages.… Continue reading
Last year, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was enraged by Israel’s detonation of pagers used by the group, which foreshadowed a major Israeli assault. This assault ultimately killed Nasrallah and decimated much of Hezbollah’s leadership and arsenal. The conflict began after the Hamas attack on Israel, escalating into a full-blown war before a US-brokered ceasefire. Despite being weakened, Hezbollah, led by Nasrallah’s son, remains steadfast in its refusal to disarm.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood