Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal: ‘Ball in Israel’s Court’

Israel is under pressure to accept a ceasefire plan for Gaza after Hamas said it had reportedly agreed to a proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar. The deal is based on an earlier framework by former US envoy Steve Witkoff.

The proposal calls for a 60-day truce during which some of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages would be released, NBC News reported.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told NBC News, “The ball is now in Israel’s court. We would like a positive response from them as soon as possible in order to deal with the disastrous situation in Gaza, especially the starvation and the killing of civilians.” He added, “Even if it is only a 60-day truce, it provides a window of opportunity.”

Hamas confirmed on Monday that it and other Palestinian factions had accepted the proposals, which Abdelatty stated would also allow “the flow of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza as soon as possible.”

Israel has yet to respond, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalling determination to continue military operations in Gaza City. His finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, rejected a partial deal, saying, “We fight only to win,” according to NBC News.