Both Hamás and Israel are in continuing violations of international humanitarian law (hostage-taking/hostage-keeping from Oct. 7 on the part of Hamás and indiscriminate bombings and the slaughter of civilians on the part of Israel). The parties have hardened up… Without prejudice to bringing all accountable parties to trial in the future, to minimize civilian fatalities, the state actors (funders, weapons-suppliers, etc) backing up each party should agree on a minimum gesture of goodwill to move any talks forward (3-day humanitarian pause, release of injured and sickly hostages, etc.) and prevail upon the parties. (Everything else: Part of long-term objectives that should be addressed in longer peace talks)
