The proposal, which Hamas has agreed to, would see the release of some hostages while negotiations continue toward a permanent ceasefire. Reports suggest that only around 20 of the 50 hostages are believed to still be alive after nearly two years of conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented on the latest proposal, but he has said that Hamas is under “immense pressure” due to ongoing Israeli military actions. Israel’s cabinet is expected to approve plans for a full occupation of Gaza City later this week, despite thousands of residents already fleeing the area.

Hamas has expressed willingness to accept the ceasefire plan, which involves releasing a portion of hostages immediately while continuing talks for a long-term agreement. Under the proposal, Israel would also release hundreds of Palestinian detainees and adjust its military presence in Gaza.

An official from Israel’s Prime Minister’s office emphasized that Israel’s stance remains unchanged: all hostages must be freed as part of any deal to end the war. While not outright rejecting the plan, Israel appears likely to continue negotiations on the terms.

Meanwhile, public pressure is mounting within Israel. Families of hostages and many citizens are calling for a deal to end the conflict and bring their loved ones home. Some government officials, however, insist that a partial deal is unacceptable and warn against giving Hamas any breathing space.

The war, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas-led attack, has left thousands dead and displaced millions. Most of Gaza’s population has been forced to move repeatedly, homes have been destroyed, and critical infrastructure, including healthcare and water systems, is in collapse.

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The denial follows viral posts and videos alleging that taxi drivers were stopping and harassing private motorists, with some reports claiming parents and teachers were being prevented from driving children to school.

Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala clarified that the council had never issued such instructions. She emphasized that only law enforcement authorities have the legal right to regulate transport in the country and urged the public to report any incidents of harassment directly to the police.

Santaco in KwaZulu-Natal also reiterated that the organization is not a law enforcement agency and has no authority to impose rules on private vehicles. Instead, its role is to oversee taxi operations, including minibuses, metered taxis, and scholar transport, within the framework of the constitution and existing laws.

The controversy comes amid heightened tensions in the transport sector following the tragic death of an e-hailing driver, who was attacked and killed at Maponya Mall last week.

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