Palestanian militant group Hamas has agreed to the latest proposal from Egypt and Qatar for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal with Israel.
The two-stage framework, it is understood, would see Hamas free around half of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages – 20 of whom are believed to be alive – in two batches during an initial 60-day truce.
There would also be negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
It is unclear what Israel’s response will be because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said it will now only accept a deal if “all the hostages are released in one go.”
Netanyahu has yet to comment directly since reports of Hamas’ approval of the deal emerged, only saying he got the impression that Hamas was “under immense pressure.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s cabinet is expected to approve the Israeli military’s plan to occupy Gaza City, where intensifying Israeli strikes have prompted thousands of Palestinians to flee later this week.
He announced Israel’s intention to widen its offensive and conquer all of Gaza – including the areas where most of its two million residents have sought refuge – after indirect talks with Hamas on a ceasefire deal broke down last month.
