Negotiations are currently underway for a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. This breaking news update provides coverage on:
- Hamas claims they accepted an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal
- Israel says the proposed deal does not meet their demands
- The agreement involves releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners
- Both sides are considering next steps as tensions remain high
Will this proposed ceasefire lead to reduced hostilities in the region?
Proposed Three-Stage Deal
According to reports, the ceasefire proposal puts forth a three-phase process:
Phase 1: Israel releases 33 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for partial withdrawal from Gaza
Phase 2: All remaining living hostages (around 90) are released by Hamas
Phase 3: Bodies of deceased hostages are returned to Israel
The deal aims to build confidence between the two sides over 126 days.
Israel’s Skepticism
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have expressed scepticism about the deal’s terms. A few key concerns:
- The proposal is seen as softer than an earlier US-backed plan
- Hard-liners want military action against Hamas, not negotiation
- Israel may reject any deal allowing free movement in/out of Gaza
There are doubts Hamas will uphold a sustained ceasefire without launching more rocket attacks.
Hamas Consideration of Long-Term Ceasefire
In a surprising development, an unnamed Palestinian official claimed Hamas may consider a long-term halt to armed struggle. However:
- This is not officially committed to yet by Hamas leadership
- It hinges on the currently proposed deal being implemented successfully
US Stance
The US State Department spokesperson stated Washington still believes a hostage deal benefits both Israeli and Palestinian people by:
- Allowing an immediate ceasefire
- Enabling more humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza
The US will discuss Hamas’ response with regional partners in the coming hours.
What’s Next?
The path forward remains uncertain, with Israel rejecting the initial proposal and diverging positions. Both sides must determine if continued negotiations can produce an acceptable compromise. The potential for further escalating violence looms if diplomacy fails.
Can the core grievances driving this conflict be resolved through the proposed phased agreements?