Recently, Hamas has agreed to an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal to put an end to the seven-month war between Israel and Hamas. The announcement was made by Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ supreme leader, in a call with Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence minister. These two countries have been mediating talks between Israel and Hamas for months.
Israel has not yet commented on this development. In response to the news, Israel ordered Palestinians to evacuate the southern Gaza town of Rafah in preparation for a military operation. Rafah is considered to be Hamas’ last stronghold in Gaza.
The details of the cease-fire proposal have not been released, but it is expected to take place in stages. The proposal involves Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Israeli troop pullbacks from Gaza. It remains uncertain whether the deal will meet Hamas’ demand for an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
News of Hamas’ acceptance of the cease-fire proposal has sparked celebrations in Rafah, with people cheering in the streets. This situation is still developing and more information is expected to emerge as negotiations continue.
