Gaza / Tel Aviv — Hamas announced that it has accepted a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, raising cautious hopes for relief in war-torn Gaza. The plan, which still requires Israeli approval, envisions a 60-day truce with humanitarian aid flowing into the enclave and a limited hostage-prisoner exchange.

Hamas Accepts CeasefireProposal
 Hamas Accepts CeasefireProposal


Key Elements of the Ceasefire Proposal

Duration: A 60-day truce halting military operations.

Hostage Exchange: Hamas would release 10 living Israeli hostages in return for 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Humanitarian Relief: Entry of fuel, water, electricity, and food, along with aid to rehabilitate hospitals and deploy rescue teams.

Military Redeployment: Israeli forces would temporarily reposition to facilitate humanitarian access.

Mediators: Egypt and Qatar are leading the talks, with an invitation extended to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to join negotiations.


Israel’s Response

Despite Hamas’s acceptance, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled that Israel intends to press forward militarily. Netanyahu insisted that the war will only end if:


All hostages are released at once.

Hamas disarms and Gaza is demilitarized.

Israel retains security control.

Governance is transferred to a non-Palestinian Authority entity.


Netanyahu argued that Hamas is under “immense pressure” as Israel aims to “conquer Gaza City” and push residents further south.


Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The humanitarian toll in Gaza is catastrophic:


Deaths: More than 62,000 people killed, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Starvation: Famine conditions are worsening under blockade and bombardment.

Infrastructure Collapse: Hospitals are overwhelmed, with shortages of medicine, electricity, and fuel.


Global Reactions

International concern is mounting as Arab mediators push for progress. Western governments are monitoring closely, while humanitarian organizations warn of an imminent collapse of Gaza’s civil life without a ceasefire.


FAQ's

Q1: What did Hamas agree to in the new ceasefire proposal?
Hamas accepted a 60-day ceasefire, humanitarian aid entry, and the release of 10 Israeli hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners.

Q2: Who is mediating the ceasefire talks?
Egypt and Qatar are the lead mediators, with the United States expected to play a role through Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.

Q3: Why has Israel not accepted the ceasefire?
Israel insists that a truce can only happen if Hamas releases all hostages, disarms, allows demilitarization, and transfers governance away from Palestinian factions.

Q4: What is the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
Over 62,000 people have been killed, famine is spreading, and hospitals are facing collapse due to lack of fuel, water, and medicine.

Q5: What happens if Israel rejects the deal?
If Israel continues military operations, the humanitarian crisis will worsen, and chances for a negotiated settlement may collapse, escalating regional instability.