Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim has confirmed that the group has agreed to a proposed 60-day ceasefire with Israel. The deal includes the release of half of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for the release of a portion of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
While Israeli officials have acknowledged receiving the proposal, they have yet to respond formally. Egypt and Qatar, with backing from the United States, are leading mediation efforts between the two sides.
According to Egyptian sources, the proposal accepted by Hamas calls for a full halt to Israeli military operations for 60 days and lays out a framework for a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
One informed source noted that the proposal closely resembles an earlier plan presented by U.S. special envoy Steve Wietckoff, which Israel had previously accepted.
The development comes amid growing concern over Israel’s push to seize control of Gaza City. Tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets yesterday in one of the largest protests since the war began, demanding a ceasefire deal and the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
Meanwhile, thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in eastern Gaza City, seeking shelter in the western and southern parts of the enclave, which are now under heavy Israeli bombardment.
The Israeli military stated it has reached a turning point in the Gaza war and is intensifying strikes on Hamas positions within Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier described the offensive as “relatively swift” and aimed at defeating Hamas.
Israel has repeatedly insisted on the unconditional release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas. A Hamas official told Reuters that the group has rejected Israeli demands for disarmament or the expulsion of its leaders from Gaza.
