ALBAWABA - Following Hamas' approval of the new Gaza peace plan offer, mediators are now awaiting for the Israeli response to reach the long-awaited ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Yesterday, Hamas officials expressed their readiness for a new round of talks aimed at ending nearly two years of war during which more than 62,000 Palestinians were killed.
Mediators came up with a new truce offer that will secure the release of Israeli hostages taken in October 2023 in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire for about 60 days.
Former talks and ceasefire deals suggested by mediators [Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States] were usually met with a deadlock as the plans were either rejected by Hamas or Israel.
Egypt revealed on Aug. 18 that Cairo and Doha had sent the new proposal to Israel, adding "the ball is now in its court".
According to Egyptian media, the latest proposal includes an initial 60-day truce, a partial hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu didn't say anything regarding the suggested plan, but last week he expressed his willingness to approve any "agreement in which all the hostages are released at once and according to our conditions for ending the war".
