Israel has received Hamas' revised response regarding a potential hostage and ceasefire deal, including adjusted demands. However, the terrorist organisation insists on a major sticking point: it is demanding the closure of the US-based GHF fund and the exclusive distribution of humanitarian aid through United Nations agencies and other international organizations. The challenge is that most UN bodies have almost completely halted food distribution, a key factor in the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza over the past two weeks.
Another complication stems from the IDF' planned withdrawal to new lines. GHF distribution centers could end up in areas under Hamas control, casting doubt on their continued operation. The future of areas controlled by clans hostile to Hamas also remains uncertain.
According to the Prime Minister's Office, mediators have delivered Hamas' response to the Israeli negotiation team, which is currently reviewing it.
Reports indicate Hamas is seeking changes to the planned IDF pullback during the proposed 60-day truce. The group reportedly wants a full withdrawal from residential neighborhoods, Salah al-Din Street – a major thoroughfare running from southern to northern Gaza – and a buffer of roughly 800 meters from the Israeli border.
Lebanese media also reported that Hamas is demanding the Rafah crossing be opened for two-way movement.
Following directives from Israel's political echelon, about 70 humanitarian aid trucks carrying mostly food entered Gaza on Wednesday. Aid was sent through the Zikim crossing to northern Gaza and the Kerem Shalom crossing to the south, all after strict security inspections.
In parallel, the IDF, through the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), coordinated with the UN and international aid groups to collect more than 150 aid trucks from the Palestinian side of the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings. Nonetheless, more than 800 truckloads of aid remain waiting at the crossings for pickup.
