In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Hamas has agreed to the latest ceasefire and hostage release proposal put forward by regional mediators Egypt and Qatar. The deal, based on a framework crafted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, could mark the most serious step toward de-escalation in months of stalled negotiations.
The Two-Stage Proposal
According to a Palestinian official involved in the talks, the plan is structured as a two-stage agreement. Hamas would release roughly half of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages, believed to include around 20 still alive, over the course of a 60-day truce.
During this period, negotiators would work toward securing a permanent ceasefire and paving the way for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
While Hamas has publicly signaled approval of the plan, Israeli officials have not yet commented.
Israeli Public Pressure Mounts
The news comes as hundreds of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Tel Aviv on Sunday night, calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to finalize a deal that would bring the hostages home.
In response, Netanyahu accused protesters of “strengthening Hamas’ hand” at the negotiating table, insisting that Israel will only agree to a deal ensuring the release of all hostages at once.
This firm stance reflects Israel’s long-standing position that no partial agreement can be accepted, a demand that has repeatedly stalled negotiations.
Military Escalation on the Horizon
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s cabinet is expected to approve plans to intensify Israel’s offensive in Gaza, including a move to occupy Gaza City.
The Prime Minister confirmed this decision after indirect talks collapsed last month, when Hamas declared it would only release all hostages if Israel agreed to end the 22-month war. Netanyahu rejected that condition, reiterating that hostages would only be freed once Hamas was disarmed and defeated.
War’s Human Toll
The conflict traces back to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 hostages taken. In retaliation, Israel launched a full-scale campaign in Gaza.
Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported at least 62,004 deaths, underscoring the devastating humanitarian toll of the war.
A Fragile Moment
The acceptance of this ceasefire framework by Hamas marks a potentially pivotal moment, but major challenges remain. Israel has yet to officially respond, and Netanyahu’s insistence on the release of all hostages at once could derail the proposal.
For now, regional mediators are urging both sides to seize the opportunity. If implemented, the deal could provide a crucial humanitarian pause and a pathway to longer-term peace talks, though deep divisions persist on both sides.
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