Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has expressed its support for a proposed ceasefire in Gaza, which was presented by mediators from Egypt and Qatar. Under the proposed deal, five hostages would be released to Israel in exchange for a 50-day truce. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader outside Gaza, confirmed that the group had approved the draft deal sent by the mediators.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also confirmed receiving the proposal and has since put forward a counter-proposal, which has been coordinated with the United States. While the details of the counter-offer remain unclear, the two sides are under pressure to negotiate as the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which begins on Sunday, approaches.
This proposed ceasefire comes after Israeli forces resumed military actions in Gaza following the expiration of a previous ceasefire earlier this month. Despite the initial truce, both parties failed to reach an agreement on a second phase, leading to renewed conflict. During the first phase, Hamas released 33 hostages, but it is believed they are still holding 59 individuals, with uncertainty surrounding their well-being.
Israel and the US had suggested extending the first phase of the ceasefire, but Hamas rejected the proposal, which led to the resumption of airstrikes on March 18. Since then, over 900 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Families of the remaining hostages are growing increasingly concerned, accusing Netanyahu of jeopardizing the lives of the captives by abandoning the ceasefire. One hostage, Elkana Bohbot, appeared in a new video pleading for his release.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel initiated a military offensive that has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
