In a rare breakthrough after months of stalled negotiations, Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The plan offers a 60‑day pause in fighting, the release of hostages and prisoners, and a surge in humanitarian aid. Yet, Israel’s leadership has signaled it intends to press ahead with military operations, casting doubt on whether the truce will hold.
1. The Proposal at a Glance
Ceasefire duration: 60 days of halted military operations.
Hostage exchange: Release of 10 living Israeli hostages and 18 deceased in exchange for 200 Palestinian prisoners, including all minors and women.
Humanitarian aid: Intensive delivery of food, medicine, and essential supplies during the truce period.
Troop movements: Israeli forces to redeploy to positions outlined in a previous US‑backed plan.
2. Mediators Push for Urgency
Qatari and Egyptian officials have been working to revive talks since negotiations collapsed in July. This latest proposal reportedly preserves almost all the terms from the last US‑brokered plan, with only minor adjustments. Diplomats say the aim is to avert a full‑scale Israeli assault on Gaza City, which could trigger mass displacement and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
3. Israel’s Position
While acknowledging receipt of Hamas’s acceptance, Israeli officials maintain their conditions:
Full release of all hostages.
Disarmament of Hamas.
Continued Israeli security control over Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated plans to seize Gaza City, describing Hamas as being under “atomic pressure”.
4. Humanitarian Stakes
The war has already killed more than 62,000 Palestinians and displaced millions. Aid agencies warn of “starvation beyond imagination” if fighting continues. Human rights organizations have accused Israel of deliberately restricting food supplies to Gaza’s population.
The acceptance of the ceasefire proposal by Hamas is a significant diplomatic step — but without Israel’s agreement, it remains a fragile hope. As mediators press both sides, the coming days will determine whether this is the start of a path to peace or just another missed opportunity in a war that has already exacted a staggering human toll.