Hamas announced Monday it had accepted a ceasefire and hostage release deal brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, as Israel prepares for a major operation in Gaza City.
The proposed deal includes a 60-day truce and the release of 10 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with additional talks aimed at reaching a permanent ceasefire. The agreement would also return the bodies of slain hostages.
While Hamas has scaled back earlier demands, Israeli leaders remain cautious. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas is under “immense pressure” but reiterated that Israel seeks only a comprehensive deal—one that includes the release of all hostages, Gaza demilitarization, and non-Hamas governance of the Strip.
Mediators, however, view the partial deal as a possible pathway to a broader agreement.
