Hamas accepts 60-day ceasefire proposal that includes hostage release
發佈日期: 2025-08-19 20:51
TVB News
Egyptian sources said Hamas has accepted a proposed deal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel that includes the return of half of the hostages held in Gaza.
This as international mediators made efforts to renew negotiations to stop the fighting after earlier talks fell apart in July.
The proposal from Egypt and Qatar was said to be based on an earlier plan put forward by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, to which Israel had previously agreed.
After mediators met with Hamas representatives in Cairo on Sunday, an Egyptian official source told the Associated Press that the new proposal includes changes to Israel's pullback of its forces and guarantees for negotiations on a lasting ceasefire in the initial phase.
The official said the proposal also entails the return of half of the hostages held in Gaza and Israel's release of some Palestinian prisoners.
Basem Naim, a senior member of Hamas's political bureau, said on social media that "the movement has accepted the new proposal."
The head of the Egypt State Informaton Service said Egypt and Qatar have already sent the Hamas-accepted proposal to Israel.
In a video address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted reports of Hamas' acceptance showed it is "under immense pressure."
Meanwhile, Israeli tanks moved into Gaza's Sabra neighborhood on Monday, surrounding a school and a clinic operated by the United Nations.
Israel's Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said at a forum that the war had reached a "turning point" and the army were prepared to intensify strikes against Hamas in Gaza City.
Tel Aviv said it will agree to cease hostilities if all hostages are freed and Hamas lays down its arms.
U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on social media, "We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed," adding, "The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be."
