Hamas Agrees to Ceasefire Proposal, Offering Glimmer of Hope for Gaza
A new ceasefire proposal for the conflict in Gaza has gained momentum after sources confirmed that Hamas has agreed to the terms. The move, brokered by key mediators, could pave the way for a crucial pause in fighting and the release of hostages held in the enclave, though significant hurdles remain.
The Details of the Deal
The proposal, crafted by negotiators from Egypt and Qatar, is said to be an evolution of a framework originally put forward by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff in June. It outlines a phased plan to de-escalate the conflict:
- A 60-Day Pause: The first phase would implement a temporary, 60-day ceasefire to allow for the exchange of prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
- Phased Hostage Release: Over this two-month period, Hamas would release half of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages. The release would occur in two separate groups, with a focus on the 20 hostages believed to be alive.
- Talks for a Lasting Peace: Crucially, the plan is designed to create a window for both sides to engage in intense negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.
A Major Hurdle Remains
While Hamas's agreement marks a major step forward, the ultimate success of the proposal is far from guaranteed. The Israeli government's response remains the central point of uncertainty. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated a firm position that it would only consider a deal that ensures "all hostages are released at once."
This fundamental disagreement over the timing of the hostage release presents a significant challenge to the proposed phased plan. The international community is now watching closely to see if a compromise can be reached to bring an end to the protracted conflict.
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