Hamas officials have announced acceptance of a Gaza ceasefire proposal that would include a 60-day halt to violence and the release of half of the approximately 20 living Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The deal follows negotiations in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators and comes amid growing domestic pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Under the proposed agreement, military operations would be suspended for 60 days, during which Palestinian prisoners would be exchanged for half of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Egyptian sources described the deal as a potential path to a comprehensive end to the nearly two-year war, which has seen over 62,000 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza health officials.
The proposal is expected to be presented to Israel, though Netanyahu has stated he will only accept a deal that secures the release of all hostages, Hamas disarmament, and demilitarisation of Gaza. The Israeli leader faces criticism from protesters and security officials who warn that a planned offensive on Gaza City could endanger remaining hostages.
Netanyahu, wanted by the International Criminal Court over war crimes allegations, accused demonstrators of strengthening Hamas's position. Organisers have called for further protests, reflecting growing weariness with the war and frustration over hostage releases.
