Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal as Israel Offers Counter-Plan
Egypt and Qatar mediate renewed efforts for peace in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict.
Hamas has announced its acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal aimed at restoring peace in Gaza, following days of escalated conflict with Israel.
The proposal was introduced by mediators from Egypt and Qatar, targeting a resolution to the ongoing hostilities that have resumed following Israel's renewed military operations.
Earlier this week, Egyptian officials revealed that the proposal included a condition for Hamas to release five living hostages, one of whom is an American-Israeli citizen, in exchange for Israel allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and implementing a pause in fighting.
In return, Israel would be expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
This information was revealed by an anonymous official who was not authorized to discuss the confidential negotiations publicly.
In response to Hamas's acceptance, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that it had crafted a counter-proposal in conjunction with the United States, though specifics of this counter-proposal have not been disclosed.
This development follows a critical increase in military activities from Israel, which had terminated a ceasefire a week and a half ago and launched airstrikes that resulted in a high number of casualties.
Currently, Hamas holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive.
The group has asserted that any release of these captives is contingent upon a broader agreement that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Amidst the ongoing crisis, families of the hostages have mobilized, participating in rallies, particularly in Tel Aviv, to advocate for negotiations that would facilitate the return of their loved ones.
Demonstrators expressed discontent, chanting phrases underscoring the peril of the hostages' situation and urging a peaceful resolution.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated an attack on Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, the conflict has significantly escalated.
Israeli retaliatory actions have reportedly led to over 50,000 casualties in Gaza, according to information from the territory's Health Ministry.
Furthermore, the military operations have caused extensive destruction, with reports indicating that up to 90% of Gaza’s population, exceeding two million, has been displaced.
At the beginning of March, Israel had again halted all supplies to Gaza, utilizing this measure as leverage to push Hamas towards accepting new ceasefire terms, following a truce that was initially established in mid-January.
Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire, which were supposed to clarify the release of additional hostages as well as other terms, had been postponed, leaving the situation in a state of tension and uncertainty.
The proposal was introduced by mediators from Egypt and Qatar, targeting a resolution to the ongoing hostilities that have resumed following Israel's renewed military operations.
Earlier this week, Egyptian officials revealed that the proposal included a condition for Hamas to release five living hostages, one of whom is an American-Israeli citizen, in exchange for Israel allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza and implementing a pause in fighting.
In return, Israel would be expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
This information was revealed by an anonymous official who was not authorized to discuss the confidential negotiations publicly.
In response to Hamas's acceptance, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated that it had crafted a counter-proposal in conjunction with the United States, though specifics of this counter-proposal have not been disclosed.
This development follows a critical increase in military activities from Israel, which had terminated a ceasefire a week and a half ago and launched airstrikes that resulted in a high number of casualties.
Currently, Hamas holds 59 hostages, with 24 believed to be alive.
The group has asserted that any release of these captives is contingent upon a broader agreement that includes the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Amidst the ongoing crisis, families of the hostages have mobilized, participating in rallies, particularly in Tel Aviv, to advocate for negotiations that would facilitate the return of their loved ones.
Demonstrators expressed discontent, chanting phrases underscoring the peril of the hostages' situation and urging a peaceful resolution.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated an attack on Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, the conflict has significantly escalated.
Israeli retaliatory actions have reportedly led to over 50,000 casualties in Gaza, according to information from the territory's Health Ministry.
Furthermore, the military operations have caused extensive destruction, with reports indicating that up to 90% of Gaza’s population, exceeding two million, has been displaced.
At the beginning of March, Israel had again halted all supplies to Gaza, utilizing this measure as leverage to push Hamas towards accepting new ceasefire terms, following a truce that was initially established in mid-January.
Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire, which were supposed to clarify the release of additional hostages as well as other terms, had been postponed, leaving the situation in a state of tension and uncertainty.
