TEL AVIV — A new path to de-escalation in Gaza has emerged following an announcement from a Hamas official that the group accepts the latest ceasefire proposal. The confirmation has placed the onus on Israel, which is now facing immense domestic and international pressure to respond to a deal that mediators say is “almost identical” to a previous framework that Israel had accepted.
The proposal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, is reportedly a phased deal that would initiate a 60-day truce in exchange for a significant exchange of prisoners and hostages. A key part of the agreement would be to use this temporary halt in fighting to negotiate a more permanent end to the conflict.
The announcement from Hamas comes at a critical juncture. The war has claimed the lives of over 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and the humanitarian crisis has deepened, with reports of widespread starvation. This posture has led to a tense standoff, as many believe that Israel’s rejection of the deal would be a missed opportunity, potentially prolonging the war and its devastating toll.
Mediators are now awaiting Israel’s official response.
