Hamas Agrees to 60-Day Ceasefire and Hostage Release with Israel

Hamas has accepted a proposed 60-day ceasefire agreement with Israel, which includes the return of half of the hostages held in Gaza and the release of some Palestinian prisoners. An official source from Egypt confirmed this development on August 18, 2023. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim announced the group’s approval via Facebook, stating that other Palestinian factions had also communicated their consent to the mediators involved.

While there was no immediate response from Israeli officials regarding the proposal, one confirmed that it had been received. The negotiations have been facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, with support from the United States.

Growing Pressure on the Israeli Government

The backdrop to this ceasefire proposal comes amid significant unrest within Israel. The government has faced mounting pressure from protests, with tens of thousands of Israelis demonstrating over the weekend. They called for an end to the ongoing conflict and the safe return of the remaining 50 hostages taken during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials estimate that 20 of these hostages are still alive.

In Gaza, the situation has escalated as thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes in eastern areas of Gaza City, which are experiencing intense bombardment. Witnesses reported an Israeli military advance into the Sabra suburb of Gaza City, observing at least nine tanks and bulldozers. Israel’s Army Chief of Staff, Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir, indicated that the military was at a crucial juncture in the Gaza war, focusing on intensifying operations against Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the reports of pressure on Hamas in a video statement, emphasizing that the group was feeling significant strain.

Mediation Efforts and Humanitarian Concerns

The ceasefire agreement proposed by Hamas entails a suspension of Israeli military operations for 60 days, laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive resolution to the nearly two-year conflict. A source familiar with the negotiations noted that the proposal closely resembles an earlier plan suggested by Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, which Israel had previously accepted.

Discussions involving Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani took place in Cairo, where he engaged with both Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Hamas representatives. Although Israel had earlier approved a plan to gain control over Gaza City, officials indicated that its implementation might take weeks, leaving room for a ceasefire.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with reports of malnutrition and rising food prices. A Hamas official reiterated that the group would not comply with Israeli demands to disarm or remove its leaders from Gaza. The last round of ceasefire talks ended in deadlock in late July, with both sides trading blame for the collapse of negotiations.

The current hostilities have resulted in devastating casualties, including approximately 1,200 people killed in Israel and over 61,000 Palestinians reported dead in Gaza due to the ongoing air and ground assaults. Local health officials have expressed concern over the rising number of deaths attributed to malnutrition, with the Gaza health ministry reporting that 263 individuals, including 112 children, have died from starvation-related causes since the war began.

As both sides navigate these complex negotiations, the prospect of a lasting ceasefire remains tenuous, with significant hurdles still to be addressed. The international community continues to watch closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of all affected populations.