Hamas Approves 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire Proposal as Mediators Intensify Talks
Hamas has officially informed mediators of its approval for a new 60-day ceasefire proposal aimed at ending hostilities in Gaza, Al Jazeera reports. The agreement, brokered with the involvement of Qatari and Egyptian officials, is designed to halt military operations temporarily and pave the way for a broader, long-term peace plan.
According to details shared with Al Jazeera, the ceasefire would see Israeli troops pause their operations and withdraw from key areas, allowing urgent humanitarian aid to reach civilians in Gaza. In exchange, Hamas would release approximately half of the fifty Israeli hostages still held in the enclave, while Israel would free select Palestinian detainees from its prisons.
Senior Hamas representatives confirmed their readiness to resume intensive negotiations, emphasizing their commitment to a comprehensive and permanent end to the conflict. However, Al Jazeera notes that disagreements remain on the final terms, with Hamas demanding a lasting ceasefire and Israel so far insisting on a temporary truce.
The talks have gained significant momentum with the direct involvement of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Egypt’s President, both of whom have expressed strong support for a diplomatic solution. The international community, meanwhile, has stepped up calls for an immediate halt to the violence, highlighting the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
As negotiations continue, families of hostages and Palestinian detainees, along with ordinary civilians caught in the conflict, await the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and hope for a durable resolution to the protracted violence.
Source: Al Jazeera, August 18, 2025
