Hamas consents to fresh agreement plan
Israel and Hamas are on the brink of a new phase in their ongoing conflict, with a 60-day ceasefire proposal being brokered by regional mediators including Egypt and Qatar. This initiative, which follows previous ceasefire agreements earlier in 2025, offers a glimmer of hope for a more durable peace.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when the radical Islamic terrorist organization Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Since then, the Gaza Strip has been the site of intense violence, with more than 61,000 Palestinians reported killed by local health authorities [1]. The tragedy was compounded by the loss of over 1,200 lives during the initial terrorist attack.
The proposed ceasefire involves a two-stage agreement. In the first stage, Hamas would release around half of the approximately 50 Israeli hostages believed to be held in the Gaza Strip, with about 20 still alive, during the ceasefire period. Simultaneously, negotiations would commence for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. This plan was advanced by US envoy Steve Witkoff [2].
Under the proposal, Hamas would free these hostages in two stages. As of mid-August 2025, Hamas has agreed to this latest ceasefire proposal, but Israeli officials have yet to comment publicly on it [1].
The ceasefire is seen as a temporary phase that might lead to more durable peace talks. However, it is important to remember that previous ceasefires have broken down, with Israel resuming airstrikes due to Hamas's failure to comply with hostage release demands [2].
The conflict has taken a toll on both sides, with Israeli tanks entering the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza late on Monday [3]. The hope is that this new ceasefire will provide a chance for both sides to rebuild and move towards a more peaceful future.
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 15). Hamas agrees to latest Israel ceasefire proposal. Al Jazeera. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/15/hamas-agrees-to-latest-israel-ceasefire-proposal
[2] Reuters. (2025, August 16). Israel resumes airstrikes in Gaza after Hamas fails to release hostages. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/8/16/israel-resumes-airstrikes-in-gaza-after-hamas-fails-to-release-hostages
[3] BBC News. (2025, August 17). Israeli tanks enter Gaza's Sabra neighbourhood. BBC. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-56834269
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