Israel Prepares to Respond to a Ceasefire Proposal in Gaza

Israel is preparing to respond to a new proposal from mediators regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, which is linked to the release of hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

After over 22 months of conflict, sparked by an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel, the Palestinian group announced on Monday that it accepted this new proposal from mediators – Egypt, Qatar, and the United States – which includes a 60-day ceasefire and a phased release of hostages.

"The ball is now in Israel's court," summarized the head of Egyptian intelligence services in Cairo after the proposal was formally presented to Israel.

When questioned by AFP, a senior Israeli political source simply commented: "Israel's position has not changed – release all hostages and meet the other conditions set to end the war."

- "Before the end of the week" -

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet publicly commented but warned last week that he would only accept an agreement in which all hostages would be released at once and under our terms to end the war.

According to Israeli media, a response to the proposal is expected "before the end of the week."

The proposal is based on a previous plan from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff: the release of ten living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and negotiations to end the war, according to public radio Kan.

"The question of Hamas's disarmament would be discussed during the ceasefire," the radio reported.

"Hamas and the (other) factions hope that Netanyahu will not place obstacles and hurdles to the implementation of the agreement," said Izzat al-Rishq, a member of Hamas's political bureau, to AFP.

Right-wing ministers, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have warned against a "tragedy" if Netanyahu "yields to Hamas," asserting that the Prime Minister does not have a mandate to conclude a partial agreement.

Despite the efforts of the three mediating countries, the warring parties have so far failed to reach a lasting ceasefire in the war ravaging Gaza.

This conflict was launched in response to an attack by Hamas commandos against Israel on October 7, 2023. Of the 251 hostages taken that day, 49 are still held in Gaza, including 27 who are deceased, according to the Israeli army.

Two previous ceasefires in November 2023 and early 2025 allowed for the return of either hostages or remains in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

- Target Sabra -

These announcements come as the Israeli army seeks to take control of the city of Gaza and the neighboring refugee camps, with the explicit goal of eliminating Hamas and freeing all hostages.

According to witnesses, Israeli bombardments continued in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, while a column of armored vehicles positioned itself on the edge of the neighboring Al-Sabra neighborhood.

The Gaza Civil Defense reported at least 11 deaths across the Palestinian territory on Tuesday morning, including one person killed by a drone strike in this neighborhood.

"Explosions do not stop in al-Sabra. Tanks and artillery are firing at us, as well as drones (...)," reported a resident, Hussein al-Dairi, to AFP.

The Israeli site Walla, citing a military expert, explained that "Division 99 is about to complete the conquest of the Zeitoun neighborhood. Information from Gaza indicates that the next target will be the Sabra neighborhood," stated this expert, Amir Bohbot.

Since the start of the war, Israel has besieged over two million Palestinians in Gaza, who the UN warns are at risk of famine. Israel rejects accusations of deliberate famine and claims to allow more aid to enter.

The October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official data.

The Israeli retaliatory offensive has resulted in 62,004 deaths in Gaza, predominantly civilians, according to figures from the Hamas Health Ministry, which the UN considers reliable.