Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal Amid Rising Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Published Time: 08-19-2025, 18:00

Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators aimed at halting hostilities in Gaza, even as Israel maintains its stance on key security demands. The conflict has left over 62,000 Palestinians dead and millions facing humanitarian hardship.

Arab Mediation and Ceasefire Talks

RAFAH, Egypt — Hamas announced Monday that it had accepted an Arab-proposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, while Israel reiterated its positions remain unchanged. The proposal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, seeks a 60-day truce that could allow partial release of hostages and pave the way for broader negotiations.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told The Associated Press that mediators are inviting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to join the talks. Abdelatty emphasized that discussions aim to restore stability along the Gaza border and prevent further civilian suffering.

Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, who arrived in Cairo last week, is participating in the talks alongside Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Bassem Naim, a Hamas official, confirmed the group’s acceptance but provided no additional details.

An Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the proposal includes modifications to Israel’s troop withdrawal plan and guarantees negotiations for a lasting ceasefire. The proposal, reportedly similar to an earlier one accepted by Israel, has been sent to Israeli authorities for consideration.

Israel’s Position and Security Concerns

Israeli officials have maintained that their positions, particularly regarding the release of all hostages, have not shifted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to continue military operations until all hostages are freed and Hamas is disarmed.

In a public address, Netanyahu stated the reports of Hamas accepting the ceasefire indicate the group is “under massive pressure.” Israel has announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other densely populated areas if negotiations stall, raising fears of worsening humanitarian conditions.

Humanitarian Impact and Casualties

Gaza’s Health Ministry, operated by Hamas, reported the death toll from 22 months of conflict has reached 62,004, with 156,230 wounded. Approximately half of the deceased are women and children, according to the ministry, which remains the most cited source of casualty figures in the territory despite Israel disputing its accuracy.

The ministry also reported 1,965 deaths among people seeking humanitarian aid since May, either at U.N. convoys or at sites managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed contractor. Witnesses and U.N. officials say Israeli forces have at times fired toward aid-seekers, although Israel states its forces only fired warning shots.

Rising Malnutrition and Famine Concerns

Experts warn that Gaza is edging toward famine, even after partial easing of a 2½-month blockade in May. Five more people, including two children, recently died of malnutrition-related causes, bringing the total tracked deaths to 112 children and 151 adults.

Amnesty International accused Israel of pursuing a deliberate starvation campaign. Israel rejected these claims, asserting that sufficient food is allowed into Gaza and attributing delays to the U.N.’s delivery inefficiencies. The U.N. World Food Program reported that community kitchens last week served 380,000 meals daily, a significant decline from over one million daily meals in April.

Hostage Crisis and International Response

Hamas abducted 251 individuals during its October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the current conflict, killing around 1,200 civilians. Israel estimates around 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about ongoing negotiations, stating on social media that the hostages’ safe return depends on confronting Hamas.

The ceasefire proposal is intended to provide a temporary halt to hostilities while facilitating negotiations for the release of remaining hostages. Egyptian mediators hope that partial releases and dialogue can build momentum toward a longer-term peace agreement.

Diplomatic Efforts and Next Steps

The talks reflect broader regional efforts to stabilize Gaza, with Egypt and Qatar playing leading roles in mediation. Abdelatty emphasized that negotiators remain open to other proposals, including agreements that could secure the simultaneous release of all hostages.

“The setbacks experienced over the past years were not in the interest of the people of Gaza,” an Egyptian official said. “Our goal is to restore peace, ensure humanitarian access, and enable discussions for a lasting truce.”

While Israel has not formally joined the latest round of talks, officials have indicated that ongoing pressure and international attention may influence future engagement. Observers note that both sides face domestic pressures, with mass protests in Israel demanding the return of hostages and calls in Gaza for humanitarian relief.