Gaza Strip: In a significant development, Hamas on Monday announced that it has accepted a new ceasefire proposal jointly mediated by Egypt and Qatar to bring a halt to the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel, however, has yet to officially respond, reported the Middle East Monitor.
According to Palestinian officials, the deal envisions a 60-day truce. In the first phase, Hamas would release at least ten Israeli hostages along with the bodies of several captives. A second phase would cover the release of the remaining hostages, paving the way for broader negotiations on ending the conflict.
All major Palestinian factions have reportedly agreed to the Egyptian-Qatari plan, with formal announcements expected soon. Sources said the proposal also seeks to provide guarantees for civilian protection and steps towards a comprehensive peace agreement.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Cairo on Monday to coordinate mediation efforts. Reports suggest that US envoy Steve Witkoff may also be invited to Cairo to finalise the deal.
The breakthrough comes amid mounting public pressure in Israel, with thousands protesting in Tel Aviv demanding an end to the war and the release of hostages.
The Israeli military maintains that 49 of the 251 people abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack remain in Gaza, including 27 confirmed dead. That attack left 1,219 people dead, mostly civilians, according to official figures.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive, however, has been far deadlier. As per the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, the vast majority being civilians. The United Nations continues to regard these figures as credible.
The Egyptian-Qatari initiative is being seen as a last major effort to stop the bloodshed, with both sides under pressure—Hamas facing relentless Israeli bombardments, and the Israeli government grappling with internal dissent over its war policy.
