Ceasefire proposals between Hamas and Israel have been heavily scrutinized, and neither side has come to a steady agreement. But in an attempt to compromise, Israel copied language in a ceasefire Hamas proposed previously.
Aaron David Miller reacts to the breaking news that Hamas has agreed to a three-phased deal for a ceasefire and hostages-for-prisoners swap, while awaiting Israel’s response
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday he welcomed the decision by militant group Hamas to accept a ceasefire in Gaza, which he said was made in line with Ankara's suggestion, adding he hopes Israel would do the same.
Israel and Hamas have rejected each other’s proposals for a ceasefire and hostages deal. Hamas unexpectedly signed a version of the deal on Monday, but it contained amendments to which Israel had previously not agreed.
After 24 hours of fast-breaking and often contradictory actions by both Hamas and Israel’s government, a ceasefire in their catastrophic seven-month war still feels distant. Yet a flurry of diplomatic activity could put the two sides closer to a deal than they’ve been in months.
Hamas says it has accepted an offer for a temporary cease-fire with Israel, as diplomatic negotiations intensify to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas and ward off an Israeli military operation on the southern Gazan city of Rafah.
The Hamas militant group said Monday it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal to halt the seven-month war with Israel. It issued a statement Monday saying its supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh,