Hamas Agrees to US Proposal on Gaza Ceasefire: Palestinian Official

New Delhi: Hamas has reportedly agreed to a Gaza ceasefire proposal put forward by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, according to a Palestinian official speaking to Reuters. The plan, delivered via mediators, includes a 70-day truce and the release of ten hostages. The significant development has paved the way for a possible end to the war with Israel. 

According to a Palestinian official close to the group, the proposal includes the release of ten living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in two groups in return for a 70-day ceasefire and a partial withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.

The proposal, which was received by Hamas through mediators, also includes the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, including hundreds serving lengthy prison terms. While there was no immediate comment from Israel, the agreement marks a crucial step towards a ceasefire and a reduction in violence.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for years, with periods of relative calm punctuated by outbreaks of violence. The latest escalation began in October 2023, when Hamas extremists launched a cross-border attack on communities in southern Israel, killing 1200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Israel responded with an air and ground war in Gaza, which has killed nearly 54,000 Palestinians and destroyed the coastal strip.

Hamas's Conditions

Hamas has stated that it is willing to free all remaining hostages and agree to a permanent ceasefire if Israel pulls out completely from Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel would only be willing to agree to a temporary ceasefire in return for the release of hostages, vowing that the war can only end once Hamas is eradicated.

Despite the challenges and difficulties, the agreement on a ceasefire proposal offers a glimmer of hope for a reduction in violence and a path towards a more lasting peace.