A senior Palestinian official has informed that discussions for a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are underway, with Qatari and Egyptian mediators presenting a plan for a truce ranging from five to seven years. This proposal includes the exchange of all Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a formal conclusion to hostilities, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. A Hamas delegation is set to discuss these terms in Cairo, following recent escalations in violence.
New Ceasefire Proposal Emerges Amid Ongoing Israel-Gaza Conflict
New Ceasefire Proposal Emerges Amid Ongoing Israel-Gaza Conflict
Qatari and Egyptian mediators present a potential truce plan involving a multi-year ceasefire and exchanges of hostages.
The last ceasefire ended about a month ago when hostilities reignited, with both Israel and Hamas assigning blame for the breakdown. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that military actions will not cease until Hamas is defeated and all hostages are returned. Meanwhile, Hamas has signaled its willingness to transition control of Gaza to a mutually agreed Palestinian entity, which may involve the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, despite Netanyahu's opposition to any PA involvement. This new round of negotiations comes after Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and subsequent Israeli military retaliation resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
