Hamas allegedly confirms agreement with the recent ceasefire plan for Gaza, according to media reports.
The Gaza Strip is currently in a state of uncertainty as a proposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains unimplemented, despite ongoing negotiations. The ceasefire plan, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, is structured in phases over 60 days and includes a staged release of Israeli captives by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, humanitarian aid entry, partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a gradual return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.
The revised ceasefire proposal, which involves a framework agreement for a 60-day ceasefire and a two-step release of Hamas-held hostages, was met with a cautious response from the Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz. Katz suggested that Hamas is open to discussing the deal to release the remaining hostages due to fear of a potential Israeli conquest of Gaza City. However, Israel has maintained a firm stance that all Israeli hostages must be released simultaneously and that Hamas must disarm, conditions Hamas and mediators find difficult to accept.
As of August 26, 2025, Qatar stated it is still awaiting an official Israeli response to the truce and captive release proposal, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts but no finalized ceasefire agreement yet. Meanwhile, talks in Cairo and Doha have revived hopes but remain deadlocked on key issues including hostage releases and control over Gaza.
The ceasefire proposal is divided into three 42-day stages, focusing on the release of Israeli captives gradually, Israel releasing up to 1,904 Palestinian security prisoners, allowing 600 trucks/day of humanitarian aid into Gaza, partial Israeli withdrawal, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza. The objective of this plan is to achieve sustainable calm and eventually end the occupation and siege of Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is critical, with experts warning of a slide into famine. The ongoing violence has resulted in over 100 Palestinian deaths, according to the health ministry. Israel's plans to take complete control of Gaza City and move Palestinians to southern Gaza amid expanded military operations have been met with widespread condemnation, including after the killing of an Al Jazeera correspondent in Gaza.
The US President, Donald Trump, has cast doubt on the ceasefire talks, stating that the return of hostages will only occur when Hamas is confronted and defeated. Hamas has approved the ceasefire proposal but has not publicly responded to Trump's statement about the return of hostages.
As the negotiations continue, the hope for a peaceful resolution remains, with Egypt and Qatar still holding talks with Hamas to broker a ceasefire with Israel in the Gaza Strip. The international community watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that brings an end to the violence and suffering in the Gaza Strip.
[1] Reuters: Hamas approves Gaza ceasefire plan [2] Al Jazeera: Egypt and Qatar hold talks with Hamas to broker Gaza ceasefire [3] Haaretz: Israel insists on all hostages' immediate release and Hamas disarmament [4] CNN: Qatar awaits Israeli response to Gaza ceasefire and captive release proposal
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