Hamas accepts ceasefire, hostage deal proposal from regional mediators

Hamas has agreed to a new proposal put forward by regional mediators for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Israel, a source within the Palestinian armed group said.

The deal, presented by Egypt and Qatar, is described as a comprehensive two-stage framework rooted in a plan developed by US envoy Steve Witkoff, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

According to a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations, the proposal outlines a 60-day temporary truce during which Hamas would release approximately half of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages—20 of whom are believed to still be alive.

In return, negotiations would proceed during the truce over a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. As of now, there has been no official response from Israeli authorities regarding Hamas's acceptance of the proposal.

Public pressure within Israel continues to mount. In the evening of August 17, hundreds of thousands of demonstrators filled the streets of Tel Aviv, urging the government to reach an agreement with Hamas to secure the return of hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded critically, stating that the demonstrators were "hardening the negotiating position of Hamas."

The development comes just two days after Netanyahu’s office reiterated Israel's stance, saying it would "agree to a deal on condition that all the hostages are released in one go."

Despite this emerging diplomatic progress, Israel’s cabinet is reportedly expected later this week to approve military plans for expanding its offensive in Gaza and occupying Gaza City. Netanyahu previously announced this strategy after last month’s indirect talks with Hamas collapsed.

Hamas had maintained that it would only release the remaining hostages if Israel agreed to end the war, now in its 22nd month. Netanyahu, however, has remained firm, asserting that such an outcome would only occur “once Hamas was disarmed and released all the hostages.”

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas led a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages. In response, the Israeli military launched a major campaign in Gaza. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in the territory, at least 62,004 people have been killed in Gaza since the fighting began.

By Vafa Guliyeva