In a potential breakthrough after nearly two years of war, Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza without requesting any changes, according to a senior source within the group.

The truce plan, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with US support, is aimed at halting the fighting and easing the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Mediators are expected to announce details soon and set a timeline for renewed talks.

60-Day Truce, Hostage Releases

According to Palestinian officials, the proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release hostages in stages. An Islamic Jihad source told AFP the deal envisions the release of 10 Israeli hostages alive, along with the remains of others, over the truce period.

Out of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack, 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 whom the Israeli military has declared dead.

International Pressure

The development follows intense diplomatic efforts after Israel’s security cabinet approved expanded operations in Gaza City and nearby refugee camps earlier this month, drawing international criticism.

US President Donald Trump reacted to the news with a warning on Truth Social, writing: “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed. The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be.”

Trump also pointed to his past record on hostages and conflicts, though Israel has not yet officially responded to the latest truce plan.

What’s Next

A Palestinian source close to the talks said guarantees were being offered to ensure that the agreement is implemented and that discussions continue toward a permanent settlement.

If finalised, the deal could mark the first sustained pause in fighting since the war began more than 22 months ago, offering at least temporary relief to civilians in Gaza while opening the door to broader negotiations.

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