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GAZA CITY, August 18, 2025 — Hamas has reportedly informed international mediators that it has accepted the latest ceasefire proposal aimed at halting hostilities in the Gaza Strip, according to multiple media outlets including Euronews and AFP. The proposal, submitted on Sunday, follows renewed diplomatic efforts led by Egypt and Qatar, with backing from the United States.
Sources close to the negotiations say Hamas agreed to the terms without requesting amendments, signaling a potential breakthrough in efforts to end nearly two years of conflict. The proposed deal includes a 60-day truce, the phased release of Israeli hostages, and reciprocal measures such as the release of Palestinian prisoners.
🔍 Details of the Proposal
According to officials familiar with the talks:
- The initial phase would see the release of 10 Israeli hostages, along with the repatriation of several bodies.
- A second phase would involve the release of remaining captives and further steps toward a comprehensive settlement.
- Guarantees have reportedly been offered to ensure implementation and prevent future violations.
Israel has yet to formally respond to the proposal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously stated that any agreement must include the release of all hostages and meet Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
📉 Humanitarian Crisis and International Pressure
The conflict, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas-led attack, has resulted in over 62,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction across Gaza, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry. The United Nations has described the situation as a humanitarian catastrophe, with more than 1.35 million people in need of emergency shelter.
Recent Israeli military operations in Khan Yunis and Gaza City have intensified pressure on both sides to reach a ceasefire. Civil society groups in Israel and Gaza have staged protests demanding an end to the violence and the safe return of hostages.
🗣️ Diplomatic Outlook
While previous ceasefire efforts have faltered, the latest proposal has drawn cautious optimism from regional and international actors. Egyptian and Qatari officials are expected to announce next steps, including a timeline for renewed negotiations and monitoring mechanisms.
A spokesperson for Hamas stated that “all factions are supportive” of the current plan, and mediators are working to consolidate commitments from both sides.
