After seven gruelling months of deadly fighting, there are glimmers of hope for a ceasefire deal to Pause the violence between Israel and the militant group Hamas. In a surprising development, Hamas leaders have stated they will accept a ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt and Qatar. Key points:
- Hamas leaders have agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar
- The deal could include releasing 33 Israeli hostages held since October 2022
- If accepted, it would pause fighting for the first time since November 2022
Could this mark the end of the 7-month war between Israel and Hamas?
Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Terms
According to recent reports, Hamas has said they will agree to a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar in their ongoing conflict with Israel. The fighting has raged for seven months since hostilities erupted again last October.
Key terms of the potential agreement include:
- Release of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 2022 attacks
- A 40-day pause in fighting from both sides
- Allowing freedom of movement for people in Gaza to travel to the north again
Israel’s Response Uncertain
So far, Israel has not officially responded to Hamas’ stated acceptance of the ceasefire terms. However, an unnamed Israeli official indicated that the “softened terms” may not be acceptable to their government.
Journalist Frank Gardner reported live from Jerusalem that “the mood music here in Israel is not particularly optimistic” about the deal being finalized. He noted increasing pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu from families of hostages, demanding their release.
Path to Lasting Peace?
If a ceasefire is agreed upon, it would represent the first break in violence since the week-long truce last November. However, the proposed deal includes a second phase to ” restore sustainable calm.”
This language, reportedly put forward by the US earlier this year, is a potential path to a longer-term ceasefire or conflict resolution. But will both sides accept it?
The world waits to see if this latest diplomatic effort can finally end the 7-month war. Can Israel and Hamas find common ground for lasting peace?
