Qatar’s foreign ministry has confirmed that Hamas has approved a Gaza ceasefire proposal that is “almost identical” to the framework presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, bringing renewed hope for an end to the 22-month conflict.
Key Terms of the Proposed Agreement
The ceasefire framework outlines a 60-day cessation of hostilities, during which 28 hostages would be returned to Israel. Among these captives, 10 are confirmed to be alive, according to Palestinian sources.
In exchange, the agreement calls for Israel to release 200 Palestinian prisoners, along with an unspecified number of women and minors currently held in Israeli detention facilities, a Hamas official confirmed.
Awaiting Israel’s Response
Israeli officials are expected to provide their response to the proposal within the next two days, according to Palestinian diplomatic sources. However, Israeli broadcaster Kan, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, reported that Israel is demanding the release of all 50 remaining hostages rather than the proposed 28.
This discrepancy may prove to be a significant sticking point in the negotiations.
Mediation Efforts Continue
Qatar and Egypt have been instrumental in facilitating dialogue between the opposing sides, working to secure a US-backed ceasefire arrangement. The diplomatic push comes as Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis after nearly two years of warfare.
Devastating Human Cost
The conflict has exacted a severe toll on Palestinian civilians. According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, more than 62,000 Palestinians have died since the war began, though the ministry does not differentiate between civilian casualties and members of armed groups.
Beyond the death toll, the war has left vast areas of the Gaza Strip in ruins. The territory’s 2.3 million residents face severe food shortages, with famine conditions spreading rapidly across the enclave.
Recent health ministry statistics reveal 251 deaths attributed to famine and malnutrition, including 108 children. The humanitarian crisis has reached critical levels, with Sky News reporting that Gaza’s remaining hospitals are overwhelmed with malnutrition cases, documenting instances such as a nine-year-old child whose weight dropped from 25kg to just 9kg.
Origins of the Conflict
The current war erupted following Hamas’s surprise attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of around 250 hostages.
Additional Provisions
The proposed ceasefire includes provisions for a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces, which currently maintain control over approximately 75% of Gaza territory. The agreement would also facilitate increased humanitarian aid deliveries to the besieged population.
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the international community watches closely to see whether this latest proposal can break the cycle of violence that has devastated both Palestinian and Israeli communities.
