Hamas accepts new ceasefire proposal for Gaza

GAZA CITY: Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal aimed at ending more than 22 months of conflict in Gaza, a senior official from the group confirmed on Monday.

The move follows renewed mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar, with backing from the United States, to halt the fighting that has devastated the Gaza Strip.

“The movement has submitted its response, agreeing to the mediators’ new proposal. We pray to God to extinguish the fire of this war on our people,” senior Hamas official Bassem Naim wrote on Facebook.

A Hamas source earlier told AFP that the group accepted the proposal “without requesting any amendments.”

According to Egyptian officials, the proposal has been conveyed to Israel, which has not yet responded. “The ball is now in its court,” Cairo said in a statement.

A Palestinian source close to the talks said mediators were expected to formally announce the agreement soon and provide guarantees to ensure implementation, with hopes of pursuing a permanent solution.

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Egyptian state-linked outlet Al-Qahera reported that the proposal includes:

An initial 60-day truce,

Partial release of hostages,

Release of Palestinian detainees,

Expanded humanitarian aid access to Gaza.

The development comes as Israel faces mounting international criticism over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have described Israel’s actions as “genocide,” a charge Tel Aviv strongly rejects.

Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet recently approved plans to expand operations into Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, prompting global condemnation and growing domestic opposition.