Media reports indicate that Hamas has agreed to a modified version of the ceasefire proposal for Gaza presented by the United States. A source within the movement in Gaza revealed this development to Al Arabiya on Tuesday. The source noted that Hamas representatives are preparing to travel to Cairo for further discussions to finalize the details of the proposed ceasefire agreement. The modified proposal, according to the source, includes offers related to the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian militants. Additionally, it entails a gradual return of Gaza residents to their homes, suggesting a potential step towards de-escalation in the conflict.
This news comes amid ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with reports indicating that Israel has accepted the terms for a six-week ceasefire. In return, Hamas is expected to release part of the hostages they have held since the October 7 attack on southern Israel. However, Hamas has emphasized its preference for reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement that would end hostilities and require the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The group is hesitant to agree to another temporary truce.
Under the latest proposal, Israel offered to release Palestinian prisoners at a ratio of ten to one for each hostage released by Hamas. It is noteworthy that Hamas has held more than 200 hostages during the October 7 attack. During the previous ceasefire at the end of November, Hamas released more than 100 Israeli and foreign hostages in exchange for the release of around 240 Palestinian security prisoners by Israel.
