Israeli Response Needed: Mediators Anticipate New Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Arab mediators are waiting for Israel’s response to Hamas’s acceptance of a new ceasefire and hostage release plan. Qatar and Egypt proposed this plan to avoid a major Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The plan is similar to a U.S. proposal aimed at a 60-day truce. During this period, it’s expected that around half of the 50 hostages held in Gaza—20 of whom are believed to be alive—could be released. In return, both sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire.

Recently, the Israeli government declared it wouldn’t settle for a partial deal. They want an agreement that guarantees the release of all hostages. A senior Israeli official stated, “Israel’s position hasn’t changed – release all hostages to end the war.”

This week, the Israeli cabinet will likely approve plans for increased military operations in Gaza City, where conflict escalates daily, causing thousands to flee. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated a desire to control all of Gaza, impacting the millions seeking refuge there after last month’s failed ceasefire talks.

On Monday, Hamas announced it and other Palestinian groups had agreed to the Egyptian and Qatari ceasefire proposal. A Hamas official noted that this “partial deal” would start negotiations for a permanent ceasefire on the first day of its implementation. They expressed hope that the proposed 60-day ceasefire would lead to a definitive end to the conflict.

Qatar’s spokesperson confirmed that the current proposal is “98%” similar to the U.S. plan. Details may vary, but both plans emphasize a temporary truce that could lead to more permanent peace talks. The focus remains on the details where potential disagreements might arise.

The U.S. envoy’s original proposition included phased hostage exchanges for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, kickstarting negotiations for a final agreement to cease hostilities. Previously, Israel accepted the U.S. plan, but Hamas rejected it, fearing it didn’t ensure a permanent solution.

Israeli media reports show that officials are reviewing Hamas’s response. Despite Netanyahu’s strict stance on wanting a comprehensive agreement, he has not closed the door on a partial deal.

Conditions for any agreement from Israel include the disarming of Hamas and governance changes in Gaza, ensuring control remains outside their influence. Netanyahu was briefed on military plans for Gaza City and remarked on how Hamas is under significant pressure.

At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized on social media that until Hamas is fully confrontational, hostages won’t return. Families of the hostages worry that new military actions could endanger their loved ones. In Tel Aviv, hundreds of thousands gathered to urge the government to reach a deal to ensure all hostages come home.

This ongoing conflict erupted after a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, resulting in a significant loss of life and hostages taken. Since then, over 62,000 people have reportedly died in Gaza, according to the locally-run health ministry. Most residences in Gaza are damaged, and essential services have collapsed, leading to dire humanitarian conditions where famine has become a real threat.

The call for peace is becoming louder amid the escalating crisis. An eventual resolution may depend on the commitment from both sides to negotiate earnestly and prioritize the safety and well-being of all involved.

For further details on the humanitarian aspect of the crisis, check the latest reports from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

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