Hamas has announced its acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, as diplomatic efforts to end the months-long war in Gaza gain momentum.
In a statement posted on social media, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim confirmed the group’s agreement to the latest terms. “The movement has submitted its response, agreeing to the mediators’ new proposal. We pray to God to extinguish the fire of this war on our people,” he wrote on Facebook.
A Hamas source also told AFP that the group had accepted the proposal “without requesting any amendments.” The deal, now awaiting a response from Israel, includes a proposed 60-day truce, the release of some Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and expanded access for humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Egypt and Qatar, the primary mediators, said the proposal has been delivered to Israel and emphasized that “the ball is now in its court.”
As of Monday evening, the Israeli government had not issued a formal response. An unnamed Israeli official, cited by The Times of Israel, indicated that the offer may fall short of Israel’s demands, emphasizing the government’s insistence on securing the release of all remaining hostages before agreeing to end the war.
“Israel’s position has not changed regarding the release of all the hostages and adherence to the other conditions defined for ending the war,” the official said.
U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in, expressing scepticism toward any partial agreements. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote: “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!!”
The proposal arrives at a time of heightened internal and international pressure on Israel. Just days earlier, Israel’s security cabinet approved plans to expand its military operations into Gaza City and surrounding refugee camps, prompting protests and outcry both domestically and abroad.
Over the weekend, families of Israeli hostages staged demonstrations demanding a ceasefire and the safe return of their loved ones. At least 49 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas.
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told military officers near the Gaza border that Hamas was feeling increasing pressure. “Like you, I hear the reports in the media, and from them, you can get the impression of one thing — that Hamas is under immense pressure,” he said.
Israel’s offensive in Gaza, launched in response to the Hamas-led attack on October 7 that killed over 1,000 Israelis, has resulted in massive civilian casualties. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry figures, which the United Nations considers reliable, an estimated 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, most of them civilians.
Read also: Israel continues Gaza strikes as Hamas agrees to ceasefire talks
Meanwhile, Palestinians in the enclave continue to face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. On Monday, large crowds gathered at the Zikim crossing to access limited food aid.
Amid the growing tensions, a leaked recording of Israeli General Aharon Haliva, who led military intelligence during the October 7 attack — has sparked outrage. In the audio, broadcast by Israel’s Channel 12, Haliva reportedly said, “50 Palestinians must die for every person killed in the terror attack on Israeli soil. It does not matter now if they are children.” He added that the high death toll would serve as a deterrent for future generations.
Channel 12 did not disclose when the remarks were made or how the recording was obtained. Haliva later stated that the comments were made in a closed forum and expressed regret over them.
A Palestinian source familiar with the negotiations told AFP that mediators may soon announce a finalized agreement and the resumption of formal talks. The source also said international guarantees have been offered to help secure a long-term resolution.
For now, the region awaits Israel’s response, which could determine whether a temporary calm will take hold or the conflict will continue to escalate.
