The conflict over Gaza

Here is how an AP news article describes the positions of the two sides, as of 2025-09-04:

"Hamas released a statement late Wednesday [2025-09-03] saying 

it was open to returning all 48 hostages it still holds — around 20 of them believed by Israel to be alive — 

in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, 

a lasting ceasefire, 

the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all of Gaza, 

the opening of border crossings and 

a start to the daunting challenge of rebuilding Gaza.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed the offer as “spin” 

and said the war would continue untilall the hostages are returned, 

Hamas is disarmed 

and Israel has full security control of the territory, with civilian administration delegated to others."

"Associated Press | By Wafaa Shurafa and Kareem Chehayeb

Published September 04, 2025 at 11:43am ET"

https://www.military.com/daily-news/2025/09/04/palestinian-death-toll-passes-64000-health-officials-say-israel-and-hamas-dig-demands.html