Ceasefire agreement reached by Hamas in response to U.S. peace initiative regarding Gaza
Israel and Hamas appear to be edging closer to a ceasefire agreement, with Hamas reportedly agreeing to a U.S. special envoy's proposal. A Palestinian official close to the group told Reuters on Monday that the group had accepted a plan that includes a temporary truce and the release of ten Israeli hostages.
The proposed deal would see the release of the hostages in two groups and a 70-day ceasefire. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release a number of Palestinian prisoners, including several serving lengthy sentences.
The release of the Israeli hostages is expected to be gradual, with five being released immediately, followed by the remaining five on the 60th day of the truce. The deal could also include the release of several Israeli captives' remains. However, there was no immediate comment from Israel on the proposal.
Should the ceasefire be successful, Hamas has reportedly agreed to halt all "hostile" actions against Israel, stop manufacturing weapons, and prevent weapon smuggling into Gaza. In addition, Hamas is demanding the entry of 1,000 humanitarian aid trucks daily into Gaza.
The ceasefire period would also allow for negotiations aimed at establishing a technocratic government in Gaza and creating pathways for a permanent end to the conflict with Israel. However, there are reported differences between Hamas' version of the U.S. proposal and the one agreed to by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that he would only be willing to agree to a temporary ceasefire in return for the release of hostages, refusing to commit to a permanent end to the conflict unless Hamas is eradicated. It remains to be seen whether the two sides can reach a mutually acceptable agreement that brings an end to the current hostilities in Gaza.
The proposed deal includes a temporary 70-day ceasefire, during which Hamas promises to stop hostile actions against Israel and halt weapon manufacturing, while also preventing the smuggling of weapons into Gaza. Furthermore, the ceasefire may facilitate the formation of a technocratic government in Gaza and negotiations for a permanent resolution of the conflict with Israel, contingent upon the release of ten Israeli hostages and several Israeli captives' remains.
