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Hamas accepts ceasefire as Israeli far-right resists truce proposal
Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatar and Egypt, offering a 60-day truce in Gaza amid mounting international and domestic pressure on Israel. The plan, announced Monday, aims to pause military operations, facilitate humanitarian aid, and exchange hostages to pave the way for permanent peace negotiations.
Ceasefire details and conditions
The proposed deal includes a two-month halt to military actions, during which the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) would withdraw from parts of Gaza to allow increased humanitarian assistance. Negotiations would proceed to establish a lasting ceasefire.
As part of the agreement, half of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages in Gaza would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. A source familiar with the talks described the deal as “the beginning of the path to a comprehensive solution.” Hamas is reportedly seeking written guarantees from the United States to ensure a permanent truce after the initial 60 days.
Israel has yet to issue an official response to the proposal. However, some top Israeli officials dismissed Hamas’ acceptance as a reaction to Israel's planned invasion of Gaza City. Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that Hamas is “acting out of fear.” Far-right ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich strongly opposed the truce. Ben-Gvir demanded that the “war” continue, while Smotrich criticized the proposal as a “lifeline” to Hamas.
Domestic protests and public pressure
Inside Israel, public discontent is growing. On Monday night, protesters in Tel Aviv blocked the Ayalon Highway, demanding a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Demonstrators carried banners reading, “Occupying Gaza means sacrificing the abductees and soldiers,” and chanted, “Enough killing, enough bereavement, hostages above all.” Police quickly dispersed the protest, threatening fines for traffic violations.
The demonstration followed a larger protest over the weekend, where 500,000 Israelis marched to demand action from the government. Organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, the protest saw participants gathering outside politicians’ homes and IOF headquarters.
International developments
In the United States, a controversial move by the State Department has drawn criticism. The government has suspended all visitor visas for Palestinians from Gaza, citing the ongoing conflict. Rights groups have condemned the decision, warning that it will prevent injured children from accessing life-saving medical care unavailable in Gaza. HEAL Palestine, a U.S.-based charity, called the suspension “inhumane” and urged the administration to reconsider.
Outlook
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, the ceasefire proposal remains a pivotal opportunity for de-escalation. However, divisions within the Israeli government and resistance from far-right leaders could complicate efforts to achieve lasting peace.