Hamas accepts new ceasefire proposal from mediators

Sunday 30 March 2025 - 12:37

Hamas has agreed to continue discussions on a ceasefire in Gaza after accepting a new proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. The Palestinian group's acceptance was announced late Saturday.

Khalil al-Haya, a senior Hamas official, confirmed during an Eid Al Fitr address that the group had agreed to the latest proposal, expressing hope that Israel would not hinder the process. He stressed that "the resistance’s weapons are a red line."

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged reviewing the proposal and sending a counter-offer to mediators, in coordination with the United States, but did not disclose further details.

The negotiations, which began Thursday in Doha, focus on reviving the ceasefire and securing the release of hostages held since the October 7, 2023 attacks. Despite ongoing bombings by Israeli forces, there has been progress in talks, according to Bassem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member.

Earlier attempts at a ceasefire were disrupted by Israeli bombardments, but the new diplomatic push represents a significant breakthrough, offering hope for an end to the devastating conflict in Gaza.