Hamas agrees to ceasefire based on Biden's May plan

Hamas has declared its readiness to implement a ceasefire according to US President Joe Biden's proposal from 31 May, while firmly rejecting any additional conditions.

In a recent statement, Hamas revealed that a delegation led by Khalil al-Haye held discussions in Doha with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamil, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media.

The movement reaffirmed its commitment to immediately enforce the ceasefire in alignment with Biden's plan, Security Council Resolution 2735, and the agreements reached on 2 July. Hamas expressed appreciation for the mediators’ efforts in securing the ceasefire, facilitating prisoner exchanges, and withdrawing Israeli troops from Gaza.

President Biden's ceasefire plan announced on 31 May, proposed a new three-stage approach.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the plan, calling for additional conditions, including control over the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors and the Rafah checkpoint.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters launched a significant attack on southern Israel, killing and taking hostages and firing over 3,000 rockets. The assault resulted in at least 1,400 deaths, predominantly civilians, including many attendees of a music festival. This attack was the largest mass killing of Jews since the Holocaust.

In retaliation, Israel initiated Operation Iron Swords against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

On September 11, the Palestinian Health Ministry announced that Israeli strikes on Gaza claimed the lives of 41,084 people, including children and the elderly. However, the Israeli government claims the figure includes Hamas fighters killed as a result of the conflict.