Hamas agrees to ceasefire proposal in Gaza: Reuters reveals details
Hamas says it is not opposed to ceasefire proposal with Israel (Photo: Getty Images)
Hamas leadership has confirmed its agreement to a ceasefire proposal in the Gaza Strip. The offer was conveyed to the group through intermediaries and may include a transitional phase, according to Reuters.
As negotiator group representative Khalil al-Hayya stated in a television address, two days ago, they received a proposal from mediators in Egypt and Qatar, and the group responded positively and accepted it.
He also expressed hope that the Israeli side, which is conducting operations in the Gaza Strip, would not undermine such a proposal.
Hayya leads the Hamas negotiating team in indirect talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip amid the ongoing war with Israel.
Security sources told Reuters on Thursday that Egypt had received positive indications from Israel regarding a new ceasefire proposal, which would include a transitional phase.
According to Western media, the proposal involved the release of five Israeli hostages by Hamas fighters.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a series of consultations had been held in response to the proposal received from mediators. It was also noted that the Israeli government had provided mediators with a counterproposal in full coordination with the US.
Gradual ceasefire in Gaza
The first stage of the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas came into effect on January 19, following 15 months of active fighting. It included a ceasefire, the release of some Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the release of some Palestinian prisoners.
The second stage of the three-phase agreement will focus on arrangements for the release of the remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas leaders state that any proposals should allow for the launch of the second phase, while Israel has suggested extending the initial 42-day phase.
Additionally, the militants' leadership rejects calls from Israel and the US for disarmament.
Jerusalem and Washington emphasize that Hamas should not be involved in post-conflict agreements in the Gaza Strip.
Violation of the ceasefire and resumption of fighting in Gaza
Recently, active fighting resumed between Israel and Hamas after the militants refused to release Israeli hostages, and the Israeli government accused the militants of violating the ceasefire agreement.
In response, Israeli forces carried out a series of strikes on militant targets in the Gaza Strip.
On March 29, it was reported that Israel had launched a ground operation in Rafah, in the southern part of the enclave, to expand the security zone.
Additionally, last week, Israel announced that it was considering the possibility of a large-scale ground operation in Gaza, which could include a military occupation for several months.
