Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar. Chief Khalil al-Hayya emphasized the need for Israeli cooperation. The proposal includes phased hostages’ release alongside a ceasefire. Israel acknowledges the proposal but has not confirmed agreement. Military actions by Israel continue in Gaza amid high casualties among Palestinians.
Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, as announced by Hamas Chief Khalil al-Hayya in a televised address on Saturday. He stated, “Two days ago, we received a proposal from the mediators in Egypt and Qatar. We dealt with it positively and accepted it.” Al-Hayya expressed hope that the Israeli authorities would not disrupt the agreement, emphasizing the critical nature of the ongoing negotiations aimed at bringing an end to the Gaza conflict, which reignited in October 2023.
According to sources, Egypt has reported positive feedback from Israel regarding the ceasefire proposal, which includes a transitional phase. This proposal reportedly entails the release of five Israeli hostages each week by Hamas. In accordance with the proposal, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed it had entered consultations and conveyed a counterproposal in cooperation with the United States. However, there has been no immediate confirmation regarding Israel’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal.
The initial phase of the ceasefire commenced on January 19, following 15 months of conflict. It included cessation of hostilities, the release of certain Israeli hostages, and the liberation of some Palestinian prisoners. The second phase aims to finalize arrangements surrounding the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Al-Hayya indicated that Hamas would not agree to any proposals preventing the initiation of the second phase.
In response to calls from Israel and the United States for disarmament, Al-Hayya reiterated that Hamas’s arsenal remains a non-negotiable aspect until the reality of “Israeli” occupation ceases. Ongoing Israeli military operations have reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Palestinians during recent actions in Gaza, as stated by health authorities.
As military strikes in Gaza intensified, over 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives amidst the Israeli offensive, which began following a significant Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in widespread casualties and hostage situations.
The recent agreement by Hamas to a ceasefire proposal signifies a potential shift towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This nuanced approach, involving mediation from Egypt and Qatar, aims to secure a phased approach to the release of hostages and a gradual de-escalation of military actions. However, underlying tensions regarding disarmament and the ongoing Israeli military actions highlight the complexities that remain, necessitating careful navigation to achieve lasting peace.
Original Source: www.theglobeandmail.com
