The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has been a source of immense humanitarian crisis and political tension.
A recent development suggests a possible breakthrough in the deadlock, as Hamas has reportedly given its initial approval for a U.S.-backed proposal for a phased ceasefire deal, dropping a key demand that had previously stalled negotiations.
According to anonymous Hamas and Egyptian officials, the militant group has shown flexibility in its position, agreeing to a phased ceasefire plan that would not require an immediate, complete end to the war as it had previously insisted upon.
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This compromise from Hamas could potentially deliver the first pause in fighting since November 2022 and set the stage for further talks aimed at reaching a more comprehensive and lasting solution.
The U.S.-backed proposal, as described by the officials, would involve a “full and complete” six-week ceasefire during which older, sick, and female hostages would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
During this initial phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza and allow the return of displaced people to their homes in northern Gaza.
Over the 42-day period of the first phase, Hamas, Israel, and mediators would then negotiate the terms of the second phase, which could see the release of the remaining male hostages, both civilians and soldiers. In return, Israel would free additional Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The third phase would include the return of any remaining hostages, including bodies of the dead, and the start of a long-term reconstruction project for Gaza.
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Despite the apparent compromise, Hamas has stated that it still wants written guarantees from the mediators that Israel will continue to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal once the first phase goes into effect.
The militant group has expressed concern that Israel may resume the war after the hostages are released, and it wants assurances that the talks will continue until a lasting truce is reached.
The proposed ceasefire deal faces several hurdles, as past attempts at negotiating a truce have stumbled over Hamas’ demand for a complete end to the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has only offered to pause the fighting, not end it, until Israel reaches its goals of destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and returning all hostages held by the militant group.
The potential ceasefire deal has been met with cautious optimism, with the families of hostages expressing hope that this could be a breakthrough while also warning Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu not to “break their hearts again” by thwarting the deal.
Anti-government protesters have also continued to gather, reflecting the ongoing tensions and the need for a lasting resolution.
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