Hamas accepts new Gaza ceasefire proposal
Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza put forward by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, officials from the group confirmed on Monday. Israel has not yet responded.
The framework deal, presented in Cairo, is intended to pave the way for talks on a permanent truce. According to Palestinian and Egyptian sources, it includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of around 10 Israeli hostages - about half of those still alive - and the handover of the bodies of 18 others. In return, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners.
Israel has yet to formally respond, though Defence minister Israel Katz suggested Hamas only agreed to talks out of fear that Israeli forces intend to seize Gaza City. He told senior military officers that such a move would mark the defeat of Hamas, according to Israeli media.
The announcement follows months of failed mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the US. Israel broke off a previous ceasefire in March, sparking renewed fighting. Israeli forces are currently bombing Gaza City, prompting thousands of residents to flee amid fears of an imminent ground takeover.
The war has been going on for 22 months, leaving Gaza in a severe humanitarian crisis. Aid agencies warn that famine is looming as Israeli leaders prepare for a possible full occupation of Gaza City.
Aid is parachuted over central Gaza strip © PHOTO EYAD BABA / AFP
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