August 18, 2025 – In a major development in the Gaza conflict, Hamas has announced its acceptance of a new ceasefire and hostage-release proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar.
Hamas accepts mediators’ new Gaza truce plan, Israel yet to respond
Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza without requesting amendments, a source from the group said on Monday, after a fresh diplomatic push to end more than 22 months of war.
Mediators Egypt and… pic.twitter.com/LFPh8Ni3Db— CGTN Europe (@CGTNEurope) August 18, 2025
Key Points of the Proposal
- 60-Day Truce: A temporary halt in fighting has been proposed.
- Hostage-Prisoner Exchange:
- 10 Israeli hostages to be released.
- In return, Israel would release 150 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 60 others serving long terms, along with the bodies of deceased hostages.
- Humanitarian Aid: Increased supply of food, water, and fuel into Gaza.
- Israeli Redeployment: Adjustments to Israeli troop positions to facilitate aid entry.
- Talks on Permanent Ceasefire: Negotiations to begin during the 60-day period.
Hamas Position
- Hamas officials confirmed they accepted the proposal without amendments.
- Other Palestinian factions also endorsed the plan, raising hopes of progress in long-stalled talks.
Israel’s Response
- No official response has been issued by Israel yet.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the proposal, saying Hamas is “under immense pressure.”
- Netanyahu insisted Israel will only end the war if:
- All hostages are released at once,
- Hamas disarms,
- Gaza is demilitarized.
Growing Tensions
- Despite talks, Israel announced plans to expand military operations into Gaza City.
- The announcement has triggered mass protests inside Israel, with hundreds of thousands demanding a deal to free the remaining hostages.
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