A new proposal for a ceasefire was presented to Hamas over the weekend during talks in Cairo. Egyptian and Qatari mediators submitted a comprehensive plan to the terrorist organization’s negotiation team, which reportedly includes a multi-year truce and the gradual release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. This was reported by the Arab news outlet Al-Arabiya, citing negotiation sources.
According to media reports, Israeli representatives also took part in the talks in the Egyptian capital. The agreement is said to envision a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip in several stages.
One key element of the new initiative concerns the future governance of the Gaza Strip. According to Al-Arabiya, Hamas signaled its willingness to discuss a new administrative structure. This could mean that an independent administration—possibly under international supervision—might replace Hamas’ current sole rule. However, this willingness has not yet been officially confirmed.
Israel launched its military campaign against Hamas following the massacre of October 7, 2023, in which Hamas-led terrorists murdered around 1,200 people—most of them civilians—and abducted 251 others, taking them as hostages into Gaza. The Israeli government has repeatedly made clear that it will not accept a ceasefire that allows Hamas to remain in power or to rearm.
Israel continues to insist on the complete disarmament of Hamas—something the terrorist organization categorically rejects. Hamas maintains that any ceasefire must be linked to an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
According to the mediators, negotiations in Cairo remain difficult, but efforts are ongoing to reach an agreement. Egyptian and Qatari officials told journalists that they are working to overcome the differences between the parties.
Several previous mediation attempts had failed in recent weeks. Nevertheless, international pressure remains high to secure an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of the hostages still held in Gaza.
The new proposal was reportedly developed in close coordination between Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. An official response from Hamas is still pending.
It looks like another proposal that favors Hamas.
How can Hamas, Qatar and Egypt demand an end of war without the complete release of ALL HOSTAGES? All the hostages dead or alive must be released all at once not in phases. If the withdrawal is not in phases why should the release of hostages be in phases??. What is wrong with Witkoff and this stupid ideas? Qatar is not a credible mediator and they can stop the war today if they want to, but do they want it to stop? No is the answer.
Spot on David, agreements cannot be made with terrorist sponsors.