Edith Hejberg
The proposal follows high-stakes negotiations in Cairo involving Hamas, Egyptian officials, and Qatari mediators.
Hamas has announced it will accept a proposed ceasefire deal that would halt fighting in Gaza for 60 days and lead to the release of roughly half of the 20 remaining living Israeli hostages.
The deal also includes the exchange of Palestinian prisoners and is seen as a potential step toward ending the nearly two-year war.
Cairo Talks Yield Breakthrough Amid Mounting Pressure
The proposal follows high-stakes negotiations in Cairo involving Hamas, Egyptian officials, and Qatari mediators.
This development comes after massive street protests in Israel over the government’s failure to secure a hostage release, putting added pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu Dismisses Protests, Rejects Partial Deals
Despite growing unrest, Netanyahu has dismissed the protests and rejected the idea of partial agreements.
He insists Israel will only end the war if Hamas agrees to release all hostages, disarm completely, and allow for Gaza’s demilitarisation, demands that remain a significant sticking point.
Massive Protests Shake Israeli Cities
Over 400,000 Israelis took to the streets on Sunday, marking the largest demonstrations since the war began.
Protesters called for immediate action to rescue the hostages and end the conflict, holding signs referencing the lives lost and missed chances for peace.
Ceasefire Framework Mirrors US-Backed Proposal
Egyptian sources say the proposal Hamas accepted closely aligns with a US-backed framework that addresses previous Israeli concerns.
Talks have intensified as Egypt and Qatar push for a diplomatic solution, while Israeli threats of a major Gaza City offensive loom large.
Netanyahu Warns Against “Giving Comfort to Hamas”
In response to the protests, Netanyahu accused demonstrators of aiding Hamas’s negotiating position.
“Ending the war without defeating Hamas ensures future atrocities,” he claimed, defending the need for a continued military campaign to safeguard Israel’s future.
Hostage Families Slam Netanyahu’s Leadership
Families of those still held in Gaza expressed fury at Netanyahu’s stance.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum blamed the government for allowing the crisis to drag on, saying the captives had been suffering for nearly two years “on your watch.”
Opposition Accuses Netanyahu of Fueling Endless War
Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli Democrats party, launched a blistering attack on Netanyahu.
He accused the prime minister of enabling Hamas before the war and of prolonging the conflict to avoid accountability. “Netanyahu doesn’t want to win. He wants to survive,” Golan said.
Gaza Civilians Flee as New Offensive Looms
As Israeli forces threaten a new assault on Gaza City, tens of thousands of Palestinians are fleeing from eastern neighborhoods to safer areas in the west and south.
The territory continues to suffer from relentless bombardment and an escalating humanitarian crisis.
International Pressure Mounts Amid Genocide Allegations
With an estimated 62,000 Palestinians dead since the war began, Israel faces growing global scrutiny. Critics cite rising starvation and civilian casualties, and
Netanyahu’s government is under investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
