Hamas Considers Israeli Ceasefire Proposal

By Yoni Weiss

Hamas announced on the weekend its review of a new ceasefire proposal from Israel, as Egypt intensified its efforts to broker a deal aimed at ending the war in Gaza and preventing a potential Israeli ground offensive into Rafah.

Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya provided no specifics regarding the Israeli proposal but indicated that it was in response to a Hamas initiative put forth two weeks prior. Earlier negotiations had focused on a six-week ceasefire plan and the release of 40 civilian and ill hostages by the Hamas in exchange for the liberation of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

A separate statement from Hamas mentioned discussions among leaders from the three main terror groups active in Gaza regarding efforts to halt the war, but it made no reference to the Israeli proposal.

These developments followed a visit by an Egyptian delegation to Israel, during which discussions were held on a “new vision” for an extended ceasefire in Gaza, according to an Egyptian official.

The talks between Egyptian and Israeli officials focused on the initial phase of a plan that would involve a limited exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners, along with the return of a significant number of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza with minimal restrictions, the Egyptian official revealed.

Mediators are striving to find a compromise that addresses the primary demands of both parties, potentially paving the way for continued negotiations toward a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.

Hamas has reiterated its insistence on a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. In contrast, Israel has rejected these demands, affirming its intent to continue military operations until the Hamas is defeated and asserting its intention to maintain a security presence in Gaza.

As international pressure mounts for Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement and avert an Israeli incursion into Rafah, where over half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge, Egypt has cautioned that such an offensive could have dire consequences for the humanitarian situation in Gaza, exacerbating fears of famine, and impacting regional peace and stability.

The IDF has amassed tanks and armored vehicles near Rafah and has conducted airstrikes in the city regularly.