GAZA – Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal put forward by regional mediators, raising hopes of a breakthrough in efforts to end the war in Gaza.
A source within the Palestinian armed group told the BBC that the plan, brokered by Egypt and Qatar and based on a framework advanced by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a two-stage process during a 60-day truce.
Under the proposal, Hamas would free about half of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages — believed to include 20 still alive — in two stages.
During the temporary pause in fighting, negotiators would work towards a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Israeli officials did not immediately comment on the development.
The news comes amid mounting public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
On Sunday night, hundreds of thousands of protesters filled Tel Aviv, demanding that Israel strike a deal to secure the hostages’ release and bring the nearly two-year war to an end.
Netanyahu, however, accused demonstrators of emboldening Hamas and hardening its negotiating stance.
The timing of the Hamas move is particularly sensitive, coming just days after Netanyahu’s office insisted that Israel would only agree to a deal if all hostages were released at once.
Israel’s cabinet is also expected this week to consider plans for a major military push into Gaza City as part of an expanded offensive.
Hamas previously rejected proposals that did not include a full ceasefire, saying hostages would only be freed if Israel agreed to end the war.
Netanyahu has repeatedly countered that such terms would only be met once Hamas is disarmed and all captives are released.
The conflict, now in its 22nd month, was triggered by the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, at least 62,004 people have been killed in Israel’s military campaign since then.
