Hamas Agrees to Truce Proposal, Awaits Israel’s Response

Jerusalem (Eurotoday) – The Palestinian resistance group Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, which was presented by Egypt and Qatar, expressing hope that Israel will not block the latest plan.

“We received a proposal two days ago from our brothers in Egypt and Qatar, who are mediating the talks,”

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader in Gaza, said during a televised address marking Eid al-Fitr, the holiday that concludes the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

“We engaged with the proposal positively and accepted it, and we hope that the occupation will not sabotage it or undermine the mediators’ efforts.”

What does the new ceasefire proposal include?

While al-Hayya did not disclose the detailed terms, international media reports suggest that Egypt and Qatar have put forward a plan under which the second phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel would be implemented following a period of calm.

“We fully adhered to our commitments and worked with the mediators to ensure Israel would abide by its obligations. However, it reneged on the entire agreement once the first phase concluded,”

he added.

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth later reported that Israel had submitted a revised proposal, suggesting that Hamas release 10 captives, instead of five as outlined in the Egyptian plan.

The outlet, citing sources familiar with the talks, noted that Israel “hopes to reach a ceasefire agreement before the Jewish Passover holiday,” which will be observed between April 12 and 20.

On the previous day, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a response had been shared with the mediators, in coordination with the United States. No details of either proposal were released. However, Israel conducted a surprise airstrike on Gaza on March 18, killing over 920 people and wounding more than 2,000, effectively breaking the ceasefire and prisoner exchange arrangement.

What are the key phases of the ceasefire agreement?

The ceasefire deal’s first phase took effect on January 19 after nearly 15 months of hostilities. It involved a temporary halt in fighting, the release of a number of Israeli hostages, and the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners. The planned second phase focuses on negotiating the release of remaining captives and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas insists any new plan must allow for the transition to this second phase, while Israel has proposed extending the initial 42-day phase.

How has the conflict affected civilians in Gaza?

Since October 2023, over 50,200 Palestinians — mostly women and children — have been killed and more than 114,000 injured in Israeli military operations in Gaza. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel is facing a genocide case filed at the International Court of Justice over its military actions in the enclave.