Hamas announced on Monday, August 18, its acceptance of a 60-day ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The proposal includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for Israel freeing 1,700 Palestinian prisoners, including 200 serving life sentences. It also outlines a partial Israeli military withdrawal to a buffer zone 800 meters from Gaza’s eastern, northern, and southern borders, allowing 600 trucks of humanitarian aid, commercial goods, and shelter materials to enter daily.
The deal, closely aligned with a prior US-backed plan, aims to initiate negotiations for a permanent ceasefire on the first day of the truce, with the goal of ending the conflict within 60 days. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who visited the Rafah crossing on August 18, urged Israel to accept the proposal to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, marked by famine and over 62,000 reported Palestinian deaths. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the urgency of the talks, which continue in Cairo.
Israel has not yet formally responded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance on continuing the war until all 50 remaining hostages are released and Hamas is disarmed, maintaining Israel’s security control over Gaza. An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, suggested Hamas’s acceptance stems from pressure due to Israel’s planned military operation in Gaza City. This follows mass protests in Israel on August 17, demanding a ceasefire and hostage release.
The United Nations and Amnesty International have accused Israel of exacerbating Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, citing starvation policies and restricted aid access, claims Israel denies. As mediators await Israel’s response, fears grow of an imminent Israeli offensive in Gaza City, potentially worsening the situation. Talks remain ongoing, with no new developments reported since August 18.
For updates, follow Al Jazeera, Reuters, or the Associated Press.
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