The Palestinian group Hamas announced late Saturday that it has accepted a new ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, submitted by Egypt and Qatar, and expressed hope that Israel would not undermine the mediators' efforts. "We received a proposal two days ago from our brothers in Egypt and Qatar, who are mediating the talks," said Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's leader in Gaza, in a televised address marking Eid al-Fitr. "We engaged with the proposal positively and accepted it, and we hope that the occupation will not sabotage it or undermine the mediators' efforts." While al-Hayya did not disclose the details of the proposed deal, international reports suggest the initiative involves activating the second phase of a previous ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel. The initial truce collapsed following renewed hostilities in March. "We fully adhered to our commitments and worked with the mediators to ensure Israel would abide by its obligations. However, it reneged on the entire agreement once the first phase concluded," al-Hayya said. Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Tel Aviv has submitted a counterproposal demanding that Hamas release 10 captives instead of five, as originally outlined by the Egyptian proposal. Israeli officials reportedly hope to reach a deal before the Jewish Passover holiday begins on April 12. Earlier Saturday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel responded with an alternative plan that was fully coordinated with the United States, though no details were disclosed. Tensions reignited on March 18 when Israel launched a surprise aerial assault on Gaza, killing more than 920 people and injuring over 2,000, effectively ending the previous ceasefire. Since October 2023, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 50,200 Palestinians — mostly women and children — and injured over 114,000, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israel faces legal scrutiny on the international stage. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November against Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The country is also on trial at the International Court of Justice in a genocide case over its war in the enclave. — Agencies
