A major breakthrough may be on the horizon in the Gaza war as Hamas has agreed to a new ceasefire proposal from regional mediators.
The decision comes after nearly two years of relentless fighting, mass civilian deaths, and increasing international pressure on both Hamas and Israel to end the conflict.
According to a Hamas source, the group accepted the ceasefire framework presented by Egypt and Qatar.
The plan closely mirrors a proposal earlier put forward by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
The deal involves a 60-day truce in which Hamas will release about half of the 50 remaining hostages.
Twenty of these hostages are believed to still be alive.
In return, negotiations would continue on a permanent ceasefire and a prisoner exchange with Israel.
Israel Yet to Respond
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has not given a direct response to Hamas’s acceptance.
His office had previously stated that Israel would only agree to a deal if all hostages were released at once.
In a recent speech, Netanyahu suggested that Hamas was “under immense pressure” but gave no clear signal on whether his government would accept the new ceasefire terms.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military chief, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, said the conflict had reached a turning point, with fresh strikes intensifying in Gaza City.
Reports from the ground confirm that Israeli tanks, backed by air and artillery, have advanced further into the southern Sabra neighborhood.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The war, which began after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has left Gaza in ruins.
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 62,004 Palestinians have been killed, while more than 90% of homes have been damaged or destroyed.
Humanitarian agencies warn of famine, with over 263 people — including children — dying from malnutrition in recent weeks.
Thousands more remain displaced, living in makeshift tents and overcrowded shelters.
Growing Calls for Peace
Pressure is mounting on both sides to accept a deal. Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire.
In Gaza, Palestinians also staged demonstrations, calling for peace and safety for their families. #
“Our only demand is peace and safety for our children,” one woman told local reporters.
What Happens Next?
With Hamas officially submitting its acceptance to mediators in Cairo, attention now shifts to Israel’s government.
If Netanyahu rejects the deal, fighting could escalate further, putting remaining hostages and millions of civilians at greater risk.
Regional powers, including Qatar and Egypt, say they are applying maximum pressure to secure a breakthrough.
The coming days will determine whether this war finally sees a pause or if both sides plunge deeper into bloodshed.