❓WHAT HAPPENED: Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire-hostage deal with Israel, according to a Hamas official.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Hamas, Israeli officials, Egyptian and Qatari mediators, and President Donald J. Trump’s U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Discussions have been ongoing in the Middle East.
💬KEY QUOTE: “The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators.” – Senior Hamas official Basem Naim
🎯IMPACT: The deal could pave the way for a temporary cessation of violence and the release of detainees, though Israel has yet to respond.
Hamas has consented to a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Israel, according to a senior Hamas official. The deal closely follows a 60-day ceasefire plan originally put forward by President Donald J. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
According to an Egyptian official source, the current deal entails a 60-day ceasefire and the return of half the hostages Hamas holds in Gaza, alongside Israel’s release of a number of Palestinian prisoners. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar have been key in facilitating talks with Hamas to secure this arrangement.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that mediators had been “exerting extensive efforts” to bring the U.S. proposal back to life, with the goal of achieving a temporary halt to hostilities and freeing hostages. Senior Hamas official Basem Naim announced on Facebook, “The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators.”
Reports from Arab media suggest Hamas has accepted the proposal with minimal changes. Israeli officials have yet to comment publicly on the agreement. Previous efforts to reach similar deals have often collapsed due to disputes over the terror group’s proposed revisions.
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