Hamas accepts new Gaza ceasefire plan, with mediators awaiting Israel’s response amid rising pressure and ongoing civilian casualties in Gaza

Gaza ceasefire plan efforts gained fresh momentum on Tuesday as Hamas accepted a new truce proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

Also read: Gaza aid killings: over 34 dead as Israeli fire hits civilians waiting for food

Mediators are now awaiting Israel’s response to the deal aimed at ending nearly two years of devastating conflict.

Qatar, which has played a key diplomatic role throughout the war, said the latest proposal is “almost identical” to one Israel previously agreed to, raising cautious optimism that a resolution could be within reach.

“Hamas has given a very positive response,” said Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari.

“It truly was almost identical to what the Israeli side had previously agreed to. We cannot make any claims that a breakthrough has been made, but we do believe it is a positive point.”

According to Egypt’s Al-Qahera News, the proposed deal includes:

A 60-day truce
The partial release of Israeli hostages
The release of some Palestinian prisoners
Increased humanitarian aid access into Gaza

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet publicly commented on the new plan, he recently said that Israel would only accept a deal involving the release of all remaining hostages under Israeli conditions.

Hamas’s acceptance comes as domestic and international pressure mounts on Netanyahu. On Sunday, tens of thousands of protesters rallied in Tel Aviv, demanding an end to the war and the return of the remaining hostages.

Of the 251 hostages taken in the October 2023 Hamas attack, Israel says 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 believed to be dead.

Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet has approved plans to expand operations in Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, raising alarms about the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir strongly opposed the ceasefire plan, calling it a “tragedy” if Netanyahu “gives in to Hamas.”

In the latest attacks, Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 31 civilian deaths on Tuesday due to Israeli strikes, especially in the Zeitoun and Sabra areas of Gaza City.

Spokesman Mahmud Bassal described the situation as “very dangerous and unbearable,” with artillery, drones, and tanks targeting residential areas.

“We heard on the news that Hamas had agreed to a truce,” said Sabra resident Hussein al-Dairi, “but the occupation is escalating the war against us, the civilians.”

Due to media restrictions and limited access, AFP has been unable to independently verif the death tolls and battlefield developments.

Hamas’s initial attack in October 2023 killed 1,219 people in Israel, mostly civilians.

Since then, Israel’s military campaign has reportedly killed at least 62,064 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, whose data is regarded as reliable by the United Nations.

Also read: Palestinian President Abbas rejects Trump’s proposal on Gaza

As global leaders push for peace, all eyes remain on Israel’s next move — one that could determine whether this latest ceasefire proposal finally halts the war or marks yet another missed opportunity.

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