Hamas Accepts Gaza Ceasefire Plan Amid Hostage Deal Talks
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 […]