Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, raising hopes for a potential pause in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. The announcement was made by Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, who confirmed that the group had received the proposal two days earlier and accepted it.
The proposal outlines a phased ceasefire, with Hamas agreeing to release five Israeli hostages per week. However, Hamas remains firm on retaining its military arsenal, rejecting demands for disarmament by Israel and the United States.
Israel’s Position and Counter-Proposal
Israel has not yet formally accepted the ceasefire proposal. The Israeli prime minister’s office acknowledged receiving it and stated that discussions were ongoing. Reports indicate that Israel has submitted a counter-proposal in coordination with the United States.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
Despite the ceasefire negotiations, Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, with at least 20 Palestinians killed on Saturday, according to health authorities. Israel has also launched ground operations in the Jneina neighborhood of Rafah, citing security concerns and efforts to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led gunmen launched attacks on Israeli communities—killing 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages—has resulted in significant casualties. Palestinian officials report that over 50,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.
Next Steps in the Ceasefire Talks
The proposed truce is structured in three phases:
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Initial ceasefire and limited hostage releases.
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Broader agreements on prisoner exchanges and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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Final negotiations on long-term stability in the region.
While Hamas insists that the second phase must be guaranteed, Israel is considering extending the initial 42-day truce instead. As diplomatic efforts continue, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with mass evacuations, airstrikes, and civilian casualties escalating by the day.
