**Hamas Accepts Hostage Pledge, but Demands Changes to US Gaza Ceasefire Plan**
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Palestinian group has made a pledge to release 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 dead bodies of Israeli soldiers in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. However, Hamas is also seeking some changes to the US ceasefire proposal.
According to reports from Jerusalem and Gaza, Hamas has accepted the main principles of the US plan, which includes a permanent truce, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and guarantees for the continuous flow of humanitarian aid. But, the group is demanding some amendments to the plan before proceeding with the release of hostages.
**Understanding the Context**
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for several weeks, resulting in significant loss of life on both sides. The US ceasefire proposal was seen as a major breakthrough in efforts to bring an end to the violence. However, Hamas’s demands for changes to the plan suggest that negotiations are still far from over.
**What Does This Mean?**
The acceptance of the hostage pledge by Hamas is a positive development, but it also raises questions about what changes they are seeking to the US plan. Will these amendments be acceptable to Israel and the international community, or will they further complicate efforts to find a lasting peace?
One thing is clear: any agreement will need to address the fundamental issues driving this conflict, including the Israeli-Palestinian dispute over territory and statehood.
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