Hamas Agrees to Egyptian Ceasefire Proposal, Israel Offers Counter-Plan

Hamas has reportedly agreed to a ceasefire proposal put forward by Egypt, which includes the release of five hostages, including the American-Israeli Edan Alexander. In return, the group expects a return to the first phase of the ceasefire conditions, which would include humanitarian aid entering Gaza and discussions about the second phase of the ceasefire.

The agreement, according to a Hamas source speaking to CNN, closely mirrors a previous proposal presented by US special envoy Steve Witkoff. However, it’s unclear whether the release of additional deceased hostages will be part of this new deal.

In a televised address, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya confirmed the group’s positive engagement with the proposal, emphasizing that Hamas had fully complied with the terms of the first ceasefire. Al-Hayya also expressed hope that Israel would not obstruct the progress of this agreement.

Israel’s response to the Egyptian proposal, however, was a counter-offer. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had held consultations regarding the proposal, after which Israel submitted its counter-proposal to the mediators, in coordination with the United States.

The situation remains tense, with Israel having resumed attacks in Gaza earlier this month and enforcing a total blockade on humanitarian aid entering the region. Israel has made it clear that its forces will remain in parts of Gaza until the remaining 24 hostages, believed to still be alive, are released.

The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties. According to health authorities in Gaza, at least 50,277 Palestinians have died, with another 114,095 injured since Israel’s military operations began in response to Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023.