Hamas accepts Egyptian-brokered ceasefire with Israel in what could be the most important pause in fighting since the war began nearly two years ago. The deal, according to Egyptian officials, includes a 60-day suspension of military operations, the release of some hostages in Gaza, and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the group’s approval on Facebook, saying: “The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators.”
Israel has yet to make an official statement, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded in a video message: “I, like you, hear the reports in the media, and from them you can get one impression — Hamas is under immense pressure.”
Egypt’s Role in the Ceasefire Talks
The Egyptian government has played a central role in the mediation. Officials in Cairo confirmed that is part of a wider framework aimed at ending the long war. The talks were attended by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and overseen by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
The Egyptian plan closely reflects an earlier proposal made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, which Israel had previously accepted. This shows how the current deal may be the last window to end the cycle of destruction in Gaza.
Israel’s Silence and the Reality on the Ground
Israeli tanks moved deeper into Gaza City on Monday. Witnesses reported at least nine tanks and bulldozers advancing into the Sabra neighborhood. This came after weeks of bombardment that forced thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes, many of them already displaced multiple times since the war began.
Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be defeated militarily. But families of Israeli hostages have urged the government to agree to a ceasefire that would bring their relatives home alive. Dani Miran, whose son Omri was taken hostage on October 7, said: “I’m scared that my son would be hurt.”
The Human Cost of the War
While leaders argue, ordinary people pay the price. The Gaza health ministry said more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Thousands more suffer from hunger, disease, and displacement. In the past 24 hours alone, five Palestinians died from malnutrition, including children.
For many in Gaza, the news brings a small ray of hope. “I am heading south because I need to ease my mental state,” said Mousa Obaid, a Gaza City resident. “There is no life left, and as you can see, living conditions are hard.”
A Controversial and Fragile Deal
The proposed ceasefire is far from perfect. Israel wants all hostages released and demands that Hamas lay down arms, something the group has refused to do. Hamas, on its part, insists that any long-term agreement must include recognition of a Palestinian state.
