Deal would include 60-day halt to violence and exchange of half of living Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners

 

 

Hamas Agrees to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Amid Intense Diplomacy

In a significant development, Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal that includes the release of half of the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza. This comes amidst reports from Gaza health officials that 62,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing 22-month conflict.

 

The ceasefire proposal emerged after negotiations with Egyptian and Qatari officials in Cairo. It follows massive protests in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced criticism for his handling of the war and failure to secure a hostage release. Netanyahu labeled the protests as detrimental, arguing they bolster Hamas's position in negotiations.

 

Under the agreed terms, there will be a 60-day suspension of military operations, potentially paving the way for a comprehensive resolution. During this period, a swap of Palestinian prisoners for half of the Israeli hostages in Gaza is expected.

 

Egypt has been a key mediator in the talks between Hamas and Israel, especially as Israel threatens a significant military offensive to capture Gaza City, a move that could displace thousands of Palestinians. While the ceasefire proposal awaits presentation to Israel, Netanyahu insists on full hostage releases, disarmament of Hamas, and Gaza's demilitarization before ending the war.

 

The latest negotiations, influenced by a US-proposed framework, seem to address some of Israel's objections. However, Netanyahu faces growing internal criticism from senior security officials who warn that new offensives could endanger hostages' lives.

 

The plan to capture Gaza City has stirred international concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where blockades have led to accusations of genocide. As negotiations continue in Egypt, involving significant figures like the Qatari Prime Minister and Egypt's intelligence chief, pressure mounts for an effective resolution.

 

While US President Donald Trump backed Netanyahu's approach against Hamas, mass protests in Israel indicate increasing discontent with the ongoing war and missed opportunities for securing a hostage deal. Over 400,000 people participated in these protests, reflecting growing fatigue with the conflict.

 

Netanyahu accused protesters of inadvertently aiding Hamas, stating, “Those advocating for the war's end without Hamas's defeat only strengthen Hamas and delay hostages' release.” Protesters carried signs referencing the death of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a dual US-Israeli citizen killed last October alongside other hostages during an Israeli operation.

 

In response, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized Netanyahu, emphasizing hostages' prolonged suffering under his leadership. Yair Golan, an opposition figure, accused Netanyahu of empowering Hamas through previous financial support and failing to eliminate its leaders before the deadly October 7 attack.

 

Amid the potential for an Israeli ground assault, thousands of Palestinians have fled heavy bombardments in eastern Gaza City, seeking refuge in safer areas. While tensions remain high, the ceasefire proposal offers a glimmer of hope. However, the path to long-lasting peace is fraught with complexities.

 

The ceasefire agreement, if successful, could pivot the region towards stability, but it requires careful navigation of political landscapes and international diplomacy. The current atmosphere is charged, with all eyes on whether this development can transition from a temporary lull into enduring peace.

 

Israel and Hamas remain under significant scrutiny to honor the commitments made in this proposal, aiming finally to halt a conflict that has caused immense human suffering. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these agreements can evolve into tangible outcomes that end violence and restore peace.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-08-19

 

 

Let's hope for peace. Lasting peace.

How to end the war immediately and bring an end to death and suffering. Hamas release all remaining hostages and bodies of hostages and lay down their arms.

1 hour ago, dinsdale said:

How to end the war immediately and bring an end to death and suffering. Hamas release all remaining hostages and bodies of hostages and lay down their arms.

Might end the war but Israel will still want all that land .

1 hour ago, bg53 said:

Let's hope for peace. Lasting peace.

 

They would have to surrender for a lasting peace, a ceasefire for them is reorganising and rearming to carry on, just what the prophet did against Mecca 

5 minutes ago, ronster said:

Might end the war but Israel will still want all that land .

 

Israel never wanted Gaza, nobody did and it left in 2006. After that it has been continually attacked by islamists from Gaza wanting to destroy it.

Does anyone trust Hamas?

 

Sounds like they want a short break to recuperate and restock their weapons because they are losing so badly.

 

7 minutes ago, proton said:

 

Israel never wanted Gaza, nobody did and it left in 2006. After that it has been continually attacked by islamists from Gaza wanting to destroy it.

Have you looked at the land Israel has taken over in the last 70 years ? 🙄

24 minutes ago, ronster said:

Have you looked at the land Israel has taken over in the last 70 years ? 🙄

 

If not for the 1967 war against it Israel would be within it's original borders, what land it occupied as a result of wars has mostly been returned, eg Sinai to Egypt. Gaza was also offered back to Egypt, but they did not want it!

Nothing new. Hamas does not agree to release all hostages.IDF must destroy Hamas.

Half of the living hostages.
I note that Hamas have not stated an actual number. For all we know there may only be 2 still alive.
The figures that I have seen are 50 remaining hostages, 20 still alive, but that can only be guesswork, surely?

36 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

Does anyone trust Hamas?

 

Sounds like they want a short break to recuperate and restock their weapons because they are losing so badly.

 

Israel has closed down and successfully block Hamas'weapon supply routes and even if they can find a way into Gaza, it will be light armed weapons used by individuals and small groups which are completely useless against Israel's arsenal of heavy weapons, tanks and F16s. 

Release ALL hostages dead or alive, and Hamas surrender is the only terms Israel should accept. 

 

If Hamas is allowed to stay in power, there will never be peace.

49 minutes ago, proton said:

 

If not for the 1967 war against it Israel would be within it's original borders, what land it occupied as a result of wars has mostly been returned, eg Sinai to Egypt. Gaza was also offered back to Egypt, but they did not want it!

 

1 hour ago, ronster said:

Might end the war but Israel will still want all that land .

They left 100% in 2005, leaving buildings and a viable infrastructure, why if Hamas is gone would they go back.??

49 minutes ago, Eric Loh said:

Israel has closed down and successfully block Hamas'weapon supply routes and even if they can find a way into Gaza, it will be light armed weapons used by individuals and small groups which are completely useless against Israel's arsenal of heavy weapons, tanks and F16s. 

Thats good right? Not to you i guess

1 hour ago, JonnyF said:

Does anyone trust Hamas?

 

Sounds like they want a short break to recuperate and restock their weapons because they are losing so badly.

 

They never did this before, did they?

3 hours ago, dinsdale said:

How to end the war immediately and bring an end to death and suffering. Hamas release all remaining hostages and bodies of hostages and lay down their arms.

How to end the war immediately is for Israel to just end the war - permanently - under military enforcement by multiple countries  And an agreement on a two-state solution. It's as simple as that. If that happens, there would be no need for Hamas to keep hostages, so they would return all of them. 

11 minutes ago, WDSmart said:

How to end the war immediately is for Israel to just end the war - permanently - under military enforcement by multiple countries  And an agreement on a two-state solution. It's as simple as that. If that happens, there would be no need for Hamas to keep hostages, so they would return all of them. 

 

   Surely you must know by now that the Palestinians do not accept a two state solution ?

45 minutes ago, ronster said:

 

 

   That has already been debunked as being incorrect and untrue , the previous times that it was posted 

18 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Surely you must know by now that the Palestinians do not accept a two state solution ?

The right-wing faction responsible for Israel's latest actions has undeniably proven that they don't WANT a two-state solution. I also assume that Hamas does not want one either. However, I do still have hope that both the lesser extreme groups, which are the majority, in both countries, can be persuaded to ACCEPT a two-state solution.  And my suggestion for a start to that would be the UN Plan of 1947. 
- Arab State - Orange

- Jewish State - Green
- Shared Territory - White (Jerusalem)
 

I'll believe it when I see it. I don't believe Hamas as far as I can throw them.

The problem is that, in spite of token statements of support put out for PR purposes by near neighours, and by Arab states generally, no country in the Middle East actually likes or trusts  Palestinians.

In this regard Israel has more support for it's control over Gaza than is ever reported is the Western media.

There are way too many people with no experience of living and working long-term in the Middle East commenting on this issue.

7 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

The problem is that, in spite of token statements of support put out for PR purposes by near neighours, and by Arab states generally, no country in the Middle East actually likes or trusts  Palestinians.

In this regard Israel has more support for it's control over Gaza than is ever reported is the Western media.

There are way too many people with no experience of living and working long-term in the Middle East commenting on this issue.

Correct, but that didn't stopped Egypt from telling Israel that they too, have approve any changes or agreements done between Israel and Hamas, while they're strictly against letting Palestinians from entering Egypt. 

1 hour ago, Trippy said:

Release ALL hostages dead or alive, and Hamas surrender is the only terms Israel should accept. 

 

If Hamas is allowed to stay in power, there will never be peace.

Hamas and other terrorist groups are sworn to the destruction of Israel, this is on their agenda and future plans, so any ''peace'' with them will only be short-lived.

2 hours ago, ronster said:

Have you looked at the land Israel has taken over in the last 70 years ? 🙄

That does not fit within his narrative.

2 hours ago, proton said:

 

Israel never wanted Gaza, nobody did and it left in 2006. After that it has been continually attacked by islamists from Gaza wanting to destroy it.

Nonesense. Greater Israel  been the plan before establishment of this state of Israel. Settling it has been planned since oct7.  

2 hours ago, proton said:

 

If not for the 1967 war against it Israel would be within it's original borders, what land it occupied as a result of wars has mostly been returned, eg Sinai to Egypt. Gaza was also offered back to Egypt, but they did not want it!

No body wants the Palestinians either.

7 hours ago, JonnyF said:

Does anyone trust Hamas?

 

Sounds like they want a short break to recuperate and restock their weapons because they are losing so badly.

 

Does anyone really trust Isreal

45 minutes ago, Aussie999 said:

Does anyone really trust Isreal

 

I'm sure the anti-semites have plenty of stereotypes re. why not to trust Jews, sorry I mean "Isreal".