Israeli government has received the Hamas-approved Gaza ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, Times of Israel has reported.
However, the Israeli government has yet to respond officially, amid growing internal pressure for hostages dead and end to war. Thousands of Israelis protested on Sunday, demanding peace and return of hostages.
Some powerful European allies and Australia are also putting pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for Gaza ceasefire. Many among have announced that they they would recognise Palestine in September. However, Netanyahu insisted on pursuing “Occupy Gaza” plan, which political analysts linked to his political survival within Israel.
Hamas and Israeli government have shown no flexibility in their positions for months, even as Egypt and Qatar try to mediate. US officials have also visited Qatar amid the ongoing negotiations. But talks collapsed last month.
Hamas has demanded permanent ceasefire and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in exchange for returning the remaining hostages.
Netanyahu linked end to war to release of all hostages at once by Hamas. He demanded disarming of the group, demilitarization of Gaza, seeking full security control of the area. His condition also includes handing over control of Gaza to a body other than the Palestinian Authority.
However, the latest reports say Hamas agreed to some proposals put forward by the Arab mediators mediators. Israel has also received the draft, offering mainly 60 days Gaza ceasefire.
Hamas captured 251 people during the October 7, 2023 attack. Of these, the Palestinian group released 148 (eight dead-bodies) hostages in exchange of deals for the release Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces, separately, recovered 49 bodies and rescued eight hostages. Hamas is still holding around 50 hostages, but Netanyahu claims many of them are dead. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have killed more than 55,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza during their nearly two years long offensive.
