Cease-fire Hopes Rise as Egypt Receives Hamas’ Reply to Gaza Plan
Egypt has received a response from Hamas regarding a cease-fire proposal for the Gaza Strip, Diaa Rashwan, the chairman of Egypt’s State Information Service, announced on Tuesday. The proposal, which was discussed in France, is part of Egypt’s efforts to broker peace in the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip. Rashwan emphasized Egypt’s commitment to halting Palestinian bloodshed and restoring regional stability through immediate negotiations with all relevant parties.
The proposed framework includes a phased exchange of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages, alongside enhanced humanitarian support for Gaza. Egypt, Rashwan said, vowed to work tirelessly to transform this proposal into a concrete agreement.
The development follows a “positive response” from Hamas, as conveyed by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. During a press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Al Thani reported Hamas’ constructive feedback on the cease-fire–for–hostage deal, expressing optimism about the negotiations’ progress. Blinken confirmed the reception of Hamas’ reply and said he planned to discuss it further with Israeli leaders during his visit to Israel on Wednesday.
Israel’s Mossad also acknowledged on Tuesday receiving Hamas’ response to the Qatari-mediated proposal, noting that the details are under thorough review.
