Hamas Agrees to 60-Day Ceasefire Proposal with Israel Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal with Israel, which includes the return of half the hostages held in Gaza and the release of some Palestinian prisoners by Israel, an Egyptian official stated on Monday. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the group’s approval on Facebook, and other Palestinian factions also conveyed their support to mediators. The ceasefire plan, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with US support, aims to halt fighting and lay the groundwork for a broader peace deal to end the nearly two-year conflict.

The proposal has not yet received an official response from Israel, but Israeli officials confirmed that the plan was received. Amid ongoing attacks in Gaza City, Israeli tanks advanced into the Sabra suburb, with the Israeli Army Chief of Staff confirming a focus on intensifying strikes against Hamas. Despite the military maneuvers, large protests in Israel demanded an end to the fighting and the safe release of the remaining hostages. Thousands of Palestinians have fled eastern Gaza City fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive.

The ceasefire plan largely aligns with an earlier US-brokered proposal and was discussed during meetings in Cairo over the weekend involving Hamas representatives, Egyptian President el-Sisi, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Although Israel approved plans to take control of Gaza City earlier this month, officials indicated that a ground offensive could be delayed, leaving room for a ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that Hamas is under heavy pressure but maintained a firm stance on defeating the group.