Hamas accepts Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal in Gaza
Hamas accepts Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal in Gaza
The Israeli government earliet this month said it plans to fully occupy the enclave in order to end the war
The Israeli government earliet this month said it plans to fully occupy the enclave in order to end the war


A destroyed part of Gaza City, Gaza Strip. [Photo courtesy of AFP]
A destroyed part of Gaza City, Gaza Strip. [Photo courtesy of AFP]
The Palestinian militant group Hamas said Monday it has accepted a cease-fire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, though it remains unclear whether Israel will agree to the terms.
An Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that the plan includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a framework for further negotiations. Egypt and Qatar have submitted the proposal to Israel, the official said.
Al Jazeera reported that the proposal guarantees a 60-day cessation of hostilities and expands the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where shortages remain severe. CNN said mediators are also pressing for a hostage and prisoner exchange.
The announcement comes as Arab governments increase pressure on Israel to ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. More than two million Palestinians face extreme shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.
The United Nations and international aid groups have warned that famine is imminent in Gaza. The World Health Organization said last week that hundreds of children already face life-threatening malnutrition.
Earlier this month, Israeli media confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has discussed plans to maintain long-term security control over Gaza. The reports drew criticism from Arab leaders, who warned that such measures would block Palestinian self-determination.
Israel has previously rejected similar proposals, saying they would allow Hamas to regroup militarily. Netanyahu’s coalition has insisted that Hamas cannot remain in power in Gaza.
Egyptian and Qatari mediators are expected to continue shuttle diplomacy in the coming days while awaiting Israel’s response.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas said Monday it has accepted a cease-fire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, though it remains unclear whether Israel will agree to the terms.
An Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the Associated Press that the plan includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces and a framework for further negotiations. Egypt and Qatar have submitted the proposal to Israel, the official said.
Al Jazeera reported that the proposal guarantees a 60-day cessation of hostilities and expands the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where shortages remain severe. CNN said mediators are also pressing for a hostage and prisoner exchange.
The announcement comes as Arab governments increase pressure on Israel to ease Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. More than two million Palestinians face extreme shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies.
The United Nations and international aid groups have warned that famine is imminent in Gaza. The World Health Organization said last week that hundreds of children already face life-threatening malnutrition.
Earlier this month, Israeli media confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has discussed plans to maintain long-term security control over Gaza. The reports drew criticism from Arab leaders, who warned that such measures would block Palestinian self-determination.
Israel has previously rejected similar proposals, saying they would allow Hamas to regroup militarily. Netanyahu’s coalition has insisted that Hamas cannot remain in power in Gaza.
Egyptian and Qatari mediators are expected to continue shuttle diplomacy in the coming days while awaiting Israel’s response.
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