Description: Egyptian and Qatari mediators have officially reported that Hamas has accepted the latest 60 – day ceasefire proposal which would be comprised of prisoner exchanges and a two-month cessation of armed hostilities. The information arrives after the Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani concluded negotiations with Hamas representatives accompanied by Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah El – Sisi on Monday. The proposal reflected and outlined provisions from the latest version submitted by US Special envoy Steven Witkoff with the exclusion of other details and amendments requested by Hamas. Israeli officials have confirmed they have received the proposal and were deciding next steps after earlier this month, Israel’s war cabinet approved the full and complete occupation of Gaza which prompted widespread protests across the country.
Impact: Facing growing international pressure over the devastating humanitarian situation in Gaza, and public upheaval over the plans for a renewed ground offensive, Israel would most likely agree towards the latest ceasefire proposal in the upcoming period. The ceasefire period could also enable the consistent delivery of the necessary humanitarian aid in the enclave, however, it leaves systematic issues regarding the war unresolved which may prompt the Israeli government to calculate around the acceptance of the proposed ceasefire. Israel demands an independent Palestinian political authority to govern Gaza under IDF’s security mandate and the complete dissolution of entities and organizations such as Hamas and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Hamas on the other hand has strenuously objected Israel’s position and categorically demands the establishing of an independent Palestinian state. Depending on Israel’s response, the ceasefire could also facilitate diplomatic groundwork for conceptualizing a peace framework which would still be contingent on the political will from both sides and the mediating efforts from the US, Qatar and Egypt in achieving long lasting peace.