Hamas Accepts Latest Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Proposal/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hamas has accepted a Qatari-Egyptian proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and a partial hostage exchange. Israel says it has not yet received Hamas’ written response, leaving the deal’s future uncertain. The move comes amid mass protests in Israel and growing international pressure to halt the war.
Quick Look
- Ceasefire Duration: 60 days
- Hostage Exchange: 10 live, 18 deceased in return for Palestinian prisoners
- Mediators: Qatar & Egypt presented updated plan in Cairo
- Israel’s Position: Awaiting official written response from Hamas
- Public Pressure: Over 200,000 Israelis protested against expanding the war
- U.S. Role: Proposal closely aligned with previous U.S.-backed framework
Deep Look: Hamas Accepts Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Proposal Amid Escalating Pressure
GAZA/CAIRO — Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators, sources with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed Monday. The move raises cautious hopes of halting the 22-month-long Gaza war and preventing a new Israeli ground offensive on Gaza City.
Why It Matters
- The deal could pause fighting for 60 days, a critical window for humanitarian relief and renewed diplomacy.
- Israel had previously accepted a similar U.S.-backed plan, but talks collapsed when Hamas rejected it.
- Hamas’ latest acceptance comes just hours after President Donald Trump urged Israel to escalate its attacks on Gaza.
Key Details of the Proposal
- Ceasefire Duration: 60 days.
- Hostage Exchange: Release of 10 live hostages and 18 deceased hostages, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
- Mediators: Qatar and Egypt presented the updated plan following direct talks in Cairo.
- Similarity: The agreement is reportedly 98% identical to the previous U.S.-backed proposal.
Despite Hamas’ announcement, Israeli officials say they have not yet received the written response and therefore cannot confirm if the terms are acceptable.
Political and Military Context
Trump’s statement on social media signaled support for Netanyahu’s push to seize Gaza City, warning:
“We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed. Play to WIN, or don’t play at all!”
That stance contrasts sharply with public sentiment inside Israel. On Saturday, over 200,000 Israelis staged the largest protest since the war began, demanding Netanyahu halt military escalation and finalize a deal to bring hostages home.
Meanwhile, some Israeli military commanders have warned that an expanded offensive could endanger the remaining 50 hostages, about 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
Diplomatic Maneuvers
- On Sunday, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani traveled to Cairo to meet directly with Hamas negotiators.
- Hamas chief negotiator Khalil al-Haya delivered the group’s updated response during the meeting.
- The talks followed a recent visit by Israel’s Mossad director to Doha for discussions with Qatari officials.
- The latest proposal builds on ideas first presented by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff more than a month ago, with slight modifications.
The Bigger Picture
Israel’s campaign in Gaza has entered its 22nd month, leaving more than 61,000 Palestinians dead, according to local health officials. The humanitarian crisis has intensified, with aid groups warning of mass starvation, disease outbreaks, and large-scale displacement.
For Israel, the hostage issue remains a defining political challenge. The October 2023 Hamas-led attack killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages into Gaza. Most who have been freed were released through negotiated deals, not military operations.
As international pressure mounts and public anger grows inside Israel, the coming days could determine whether the war shifts toward diplomacy — or deeper escalation.
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