Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal in Gaza, following negotiations led by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. involvement.
The acceptance of this agreement now awaits the decision of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. If Netanyahu consents, it would likely involve the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas since the October 7 conflict, as well as a cessation of Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Netanyahu has vowed to continue Israel’s campaign until they have full control over Gaza, including the town of Rafah, home to 1.5 million Palestinians and a strategic base for Hamas.
Israel has not yet responded to Hamas’ acceptance of the ceasefire.
The conflict began with a Hamas-led cross-border attack that killed about 1,200 people. Since then, more than 34,700 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, with 78,100 others injured, according to Palestinian health authorities.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh conveyed the acceptance of the ceasefire and hostage exchange proposals to Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence minister.
Palestinians in Gaza celebrated the announcement, while families of hostages in Tel Aviv urged Israeli leaders to accept the deal.
Israel recently directed Palestinians in Rafah to evacuate, raising fears of an impending attack. Over a million Palestinians reside in Rafah, which has become a stronghold for Hamas.
The Biden administration opposes Israel’s entry into Rafah, according to White House spokesperson John Kirby.
Israeli and U.S. officials report that Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal, different from one previously developed by Israel and Egypt. Netanyahu has deemed this proposal unacceptable.
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, stated that Netanyahu is committed to entering Rafah and continuing the war.
Negotiations in Cairo aimed at securing a hostage-release agreement have shown little progress, according to an Israeli official.
Approximately 450,000 displaced Palestinians are taking refuge in Muwasi, where aid is provided by the UN Relief and Works Agency. Conditions remain dire, with inadequate sanitation facilities.
Reports of explosions in Rafah are closely monitored by U.S. officials, who express concerns but do not anticipate a major Israeli military operation.
