Hamas has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for Gaza, calling on Israel to approve the deal while reaffirming its stance on armed resistance.
Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Haya announced the agreement in a televised address on Saturday, marking the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.
He credited Egypt and Qatar for mediating the proposal, stating that Hamas had responded positively and hoped Israel would not obstruct its implementation.
“The weapons of the resistance are a red line,” al-Haya emphasized, underscoring the group’s refusal to disarm.
The announcement follows comments from another Hamas official, Bassem Naim, who noted that negotiations were progressing as Israeli military operations in Gaza intensified.
Palestinian sources close to the group confirmed that discussions with mediators began Thursday night, focusing on reviving a truce and a potential hostage exchange.
The previous ceasefire collapsed on March 18, when Israel resumed its airstrikes across Gaza after a period of relative calm.
The latest round of talks in Doha began a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to expand control over parts of Gaza if Hamas refused to release hostages.
In response, Hamas warned that captives would be returned “in coffins” if Israeli airstrikes continued.
With tensions rising, the ceasefire proposal now awaits Israel’s decision, as the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to mount.