Hamas has signaled acceptance of a Gaza ceasefire plan put forward by mediators Egypt and Qatar, according to the group’s chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. In a televised speech on Saturday, al-Hayya stated that Hamas had received the proposal two days prior and responded positively.
In a televised speech on Saturday, al-Hayya stated that Hamas had received the proposal two days prior and responded positively.
“We hope that the (Israeli) occupation will not undermine (it),” said al-Hayya, who leads the Hamas negotiating team in indirect talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire to end the ongoing Hamas-Israel war in Gaza that erupted in October 2023.
Security sources reported that Egypt had received positive indications from Israel over a new ceasefire proposal that would involve a transitional phase. The proposed agreement suggests that Hamas release five Israeli hostages each week.
Israel, in consultation with the United States, has conveyed a counter-proposal to the mediators, though it has not yet publicly confirmed acceptance of the ceasefire plan.
The ceasefire plan is structured in three phases. The first phase, which went into effect on January 19, 2025, involved a temporary halt to fighting, the release of some Israeli hostages, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners.
The second phase aims to negotiate the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Hamas insists that any proposals must include the commencement of this phase, while Israel has proposed extending the initial 42-day period.
The final phase is intended to address broader diplomatic resolutions and security arrangements for Gaza.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Hamas has rejected calls from Israel and the United States to disarm, describing its arsenal as a “red line” that will not be crossed as long as Israeli occupation exists.
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continued on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians, according to health authorities. Israel's military stated it had initiated ground operations in the Jneina neighbourhood of Rafah, aimed at expanding a security zone in southern Gaza.
Since resuming its offensive on March 18, Israel has issued evacuation orders to tens of thousands of residents in various areas of Gaza, citing ongoing rocket attacks into Israeli territories
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