CAIRO. Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, according to a statement from the Palestinian militant group’s senior official, Khalil al-Hayya, on Saturday. The agreement comes as Israeli airstrikes continue across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 20 Palestinians in the latest wave of attacks.
“Two days ago, we received a proposal from the mediators in Egypt and Qatar. We dealt with it positively and accepted it,” al-Hayya announced in a televised speech.
Egyptian security sources revealed that Israel had also indicated a willingness to consider a ceasefire under a phased plan. The proposal includes Hamas releasing five Israeli hostages each week, but Israeli officials have not yet confirmed their acceptance.
The Israeli prime minister’s office acknowledged receiving the proposal and stated that it had engaged in discussions regarding the terms. “We have conveyed a counter-proposal to the mediators, in full coordination with the United States,” the statement read. However, Israeli authorities have not explicitly stated whether they support the terms Hamas has agreed to.
Phased Ceasefire and Ongoing Tensions
The proposed ceasefire follows an initial agreement implemented on January 19, which temporarily halted hostilities and facilitated the release of some hostages held by Hamas, as well as Palestinian prisoners. The second phase aims to secure the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Hamas has emphasized that any ceasefire deal must include guarantees for the implementation of subsequent phases.
In response to Israel and the United States’ calls for Hamas to disarm, al-Hayya firmly rejected the demand, stating that the group’s weapons remain a “red line” and that it will not disarm “as long as the Israeli occupation exists.”
Despite ongoing negotiations, Israeli military operations in Gaza persist. On Saturday, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced “ground activity” in the Jneina neighborhood of Rafah as part of an effort to expand a “security zone” in southern Gaza.
Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis
Since March 18, Israel has resumed heavy bombardment and ground operations in Gaza, which officials say are aimed at pressuring Hamas to release more hostages. The intensified military campaign has led to evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents in the northern and southern parts of the enclave.
Palestinian officials report that over 50,000 people have been killed in the ongoing Israeli offensive since the conflict escalated. Israel launched its military operation following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led gunmen on southern Israeli communities, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli sources.
As ceasefire negotiations continue, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with civilians bearing the brunt of the prolonged violence. It remains uncertain whether the proposed agreement will lead to a lasting truce or if hostilities will persist in the coming weeks.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
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- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
- Venus L Peñaflorhttps://tutubi.ph/author/venusp/
