Hamas Agrees to Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal
In a dramatic turn of events, Hamas has officially accepted the latest proposal put forth by regional mediators for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Israel. According to a source within the Palestinian armed group cited by BBC, this development marks a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict.
A Two-Stage Plan
A Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations revealed that the proposal, crafted by Egypt and Qatar, is a comprehensive two-stage plan. This plan, based on a framework introduced by US envoy Steve Witkoff, involves the gradual release of around half of the 50 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas. It is believed that 20 of these hostages are still alive.
During a 60-day temporary truce, Hamas would release the hostages in two stages. Simultaneously, discussions would take place regarding a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region.
Trump’s Controversial Remarks
Despite these promising developments, US President Donald Trump took to social media to express skepticism about the negotiations. His post, which stated, “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be,” added a controversial element to the situation.
Israeli Response and Concerns
Israeli officials have not yet provided a response to Hamas’ acceptance of the proposal. However, in a surprising move, Israel announced its intention to assume complete control of Gaza City following the breakdown of ceasefire talks. This decision has sparked international concerns, with experts warning of a potential humanitarian crisis and famine in Gaza.
In light of these developments, hundreds of thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv on Sunday night to demand that the Israeli government reach a deal with Hamas for the return of the hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, accused the demonstrators of strengthening Hamas’ negotiating position.
As the situation continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath to see if the proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal will bring an end to the longstanding conflict in Gaza. — Agencies
