Sun Mar 30 11:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Truce Proposal: Hamas Agrees to Mediator’s Plan, Israel Responds

**GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM** – A glimmer of hope for a ceasefire in Gaza has emerged as Hamas has reportedly agreed to a mediated truce proposal. The plan, presented by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, would see the release of five more hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire, coinciding with the upcoming Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, confirmed the group’s acceptance of the draft agreement. Simultaneously, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced receipt of the proposal and the submission of a counter-proposal, developed in coordination with the United States. While the details of Israel’s counter-offer remain undisclosed, the US has yet to publicly comment.

This development follows the collapse of a previous ceasefire agreement in January. The initial deal saw Hamas release 33 hostages but stalled as negotiations for a second phase – encompassing the release of all remaining hostages in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal – failed to materialize. Israel subsequently resumed its military offensive in Gaza on March 18th, resulting in over 900 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The renewed conflict sparked outrage from families of the remaining hostages, who accused Netanyahu of jeopardizing their loved ones’ lives. A new video released by Hamas shows one of the hostages, Elkana Bohbot, pleading for his release.

The current conflict began on October 7th, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 Israelis and taking hundreds captive. Israel’s subsequent military response has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting over 50,000 Palestinian casualties. The potential 50-day truce, if agreed upon, represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict, offering a chance to alleviate the suffering and potentially pave the way for a more lasting resolution.

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