Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar as negotiations continue amid ongoing military operations. The deal focuses on releasing hostages and ceasing hostilities in a phased manner. Despite international calls for disarmament, Hamas maintains its defensive posture against Israeli actions, leading to rising casualties in Gaza.

Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal from mediators Egypt and Qatar, as stated by the group’s chief, Khalil al-Hayya. In a televised address, Hayya expressed optimism about the proposal received two days ago, hoping it would not be undermined by Israeli actions. This agreement aims to end the ongoing conflict which has persisted since October 2023, during the Hamas-Israel war.

Security sources reported that Egypt had received positive indications from Israel regarding the new ceasefire, which includes a transitional phase where Hamas would release five Israeli hostages each week. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed it is in consultations about the proposal and conveyed a counterproposal in coordination with the United States. However, it has not clarified whether it supports the proposed ceasefire.

The ceasefire deal consists of three phases, with the first phase implemented on January 19. This involved halting fighting, the release of some hostages, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners. The second phase would focus on the release of remaining hostages and the potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, with Hamas insisting that any proposals must facilitate this second phase.

In light of disarmament calls from Israel and the U.S., Hayya stated that Hamas would not disarm, asserting that its arsenal remains a critical point as long as Israeli occupation persists. As military operations continued, Israeli airstrikes resulted in casualties in Gaza, with health authorities reporting at least 20 deaths on Saturday.

Israel resumed its military actions on March 18, citing the need to pressure Hamas to release hostages, while issuing evacuation orders to numerous residents in northern and southern Gaza. More than 50,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to the Israeli offensive, which initiated following a deadly assault by Hamas gunmen on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant Israeli casualties and hostages taken.

In summary, Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar amid ongoing conflict and military actions in Gaza. The agreement includes phased steps aimed at addressing hostages’ situations and easing hostilities. Despite international calls for disarmament, Hamas remains steadfast in its stance against disarmament while fighting persists. The continued military operations pose serious humanitarian implications, with a significant toll on Palestinian lives as the conflict evolves.

Original Source: www.theglobeandmail.com