Hamas has formally accepted a new ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, agreeing without requesting any amendments to a plan that offers a 60-day suspension of hostilities in Gaza in exchange for the phased release of hostages, according to an AFP-linked source on Monday. The agreement, part of renewed diplomatic momentum to end over 22 months of conflict, also includes Israel’s release of Palestinian prisoners in response. While full details have yet to be confirmed, the proposal envisions returning half of the Israeli hostages and initiating negotiations toward a broader, long-term settlement.
Reports indicate that Hamas informed mediators of its approval of the plan, signaling readiness to move forward, even as Israel has not publicly endorsed the terms. The group is understood to have agreed to a 60-day truce with phased hostage releases, starting with about a dozen living Israeli captives exchanged for Palestinian detainees, during which humanitarian aid corridors would also be expanded.
The timing of Hamas’s acceptance follows mounting domestic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including mass protests demanding an end to the war and the return of hostages. Despite the group’s approval, Netanyahu reiterated his opposition to partial deals, insisting only a full release of all captives, Hamas’s disarmament, and Gaza’s demilitarization would satisfy Israel’s conditions.
Internationally, the move is being cautiously welcomed with hopes it may open a pathway to negotiate a lasting ceasefire. Still, analysts warn of fragile prospects; any breakdown in implementation could reignite the conflict, particularly as Israeli forces press forward with plans to seize Gaza City, raising fears of mass displacement among civilians already suffering severe humanitarian deprivation.
