Hamas has informed mediators that it accepts the latest proposal for a hostage and ceasefire agreement, a Hamas official stated on Monday, signaling a potential breakthrough in the protracted conflict with Israel. The reported acceptance has injected a new sense of cautious optimism into intensive diplomatic efforts led by Egypt and Qatar to broker an end to the hostilities and secure the release of remaining hostages.
According to the Jerusalem Post, Hamas communicated its approval to Egyptian and Qatari officials. The proposal reportedly outlines a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of ten living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages. The framework also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip through international organizations. It stipulates that negotiations for a permanent end to the war would begin after the ceasefire is implemented.
The atmosphere surrounding the recent talks in Cairo was described as "positive" by Qatari Al-Araby TV, which noted that a meeting between Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Egyptian Intelligence Minister, and Palestinian factions "demonstrated a heightened sense of responsibility and determination to end the war." Adding to the hopeful signs, an Axios report indicated that Hamas's response "aligns 98 percent" with a previous proposal drafted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which Israel had already agreed to.
However, Israeli officials have reportedly not yet received the formal details of Hamas's latest position. This comes after the Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a firm statement on Saturday, emphasizing that Israel would only accept a comprehensive deal. The statement clarified that Israel's conditions require the release of all hostages at once, the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a non-Hamas governing body.
The negotiations are taking place against a backdrop of continued conflict and loss. Recent funereal scenes from the Al-Shati camp in Gaza City for members of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, underscore the ongoing human cost of the war. These somber gatherings highlight the urgency of the diplomatic efforts underway.
Mediators are reportedly pushing for a swift conclusion, with Al-Arabiya claiming that Egypt has requested the Hamas delegation to remain in Cairo until a final agreement is reached. The international community now awaits Israel's official response, which will be the decisive factor in determining whether this reported progress can translate into a tangible cessation of violence and the return of hostages.