In a significant development that could pave the way toward a temporary halt in the Israel–Hamas conflict, Hamas has accepted a 60-day ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. The plan would involve the phased release of hostages held in Gaza in exchange for a pause in hostilities and negotiations for a permanent ceasefire.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed the development during a visit to the Rafah crossing, stating that mediator efforts are ongoing to revive a US-backed proposal aimed at deescalating the conflict.
“We are exerting extensive efforts and holding intensive discussions with all sides to secure a pause that leads to a broader settlement,” Abdelatty said, noting that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya have joined the ongoing talks in Cairo.

According to the preliminary framework, the ceasefire would begin with the release of a group of hostages captured during the October 7 attacks, while subsequent negotiations would focus on securing the freedom of the remaining captives and transitioning to a permanent truce.

Israel’s Mixed Signals

Despite the diplomatic progress, the situation remains delicate. Israeli officials have recently suggested that they may reoccupy parts of Gaza City and intensify military operations — a move widely interpreted as pressure on Hamas to accept the ceasefire terms.
Concerns are growing that any renewed offensive could worsen the humanitarian crisis, particularly as Gaza is already on the brink of famine and international outrage continues to grow.

Public pressure is also rising inside Israel. Over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets, demanding the immediate return of hostages and a firm commitment to negotiations rather than expanded military action.

Humanitarian Costs Continue to Mount

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that the Palestinian death toll has surpassed 62,000, with an additional 156,230 wounded since the start of the conflict.
Although Israel contests those figures, the United Nations and multiple independent agencies continue to cite the ministry’s data as the most credible source of casualty estimates, noting that women and children make up around half of the victims.

The war began when Hamas-led militants killed approximately 1,200 Israeli civilians and abducted 251 people on October 7. While many hostages have since been released through previous ceasefire arrangements, around 50 remain in captivity — and Israeli officials believe only about 20 are still alive.

What Happens Next?

Mediators have suggested that while Hamas has now accepted the framework, the focus will shift to securing Israel’s agreement and ironing out the sequencing of hostage releases and security guarantees.

Diplomatic sources say negotiators are still open to alternative formats, including a broader deal that could release all hostages in a single stage rather than a phased process.

With international pressure rising and domestic anxiety in Israel mounting, the next 48–72 hours could prove decisive in determining whether the conflict moves toward de-escalation or renewed escalation.

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