Hamas announces its approval of a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza

The head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Khalil al Hayya, announced Saturday evening that he had accepted a new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which he had received from Egypt and Qatar.

He expressed hope that Israel wouldn’t obstruct the proposal.

In a televised speech, Hayya said, “Two days ago, we received a proposal from our mediating brothers in Egypt and Qatar”.

He added, “We responded positively to the proposal and approved it… We hope that the occupation won’t obstruct it and thwart the mediators’ efforts”.

He didn’t reveal any details about the new proposal, but international media outlets have been circulating reports in recent days that Egypt and Qatar have submitted a proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, which would see the second phase of the ceasefire agreement and a prisoner exchange between Hamas and Israel take effect after a period of time.

While Hamas has adhered to the terms of the first phase, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, has reneged on the start of the second phase in deference to extremists in his ruling coalition.

For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Saturday evening that he had responded to a proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which he had received from mediators, with a final alternative, after full coordination with Washington.

Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that he held a series of consultations on Friday regarding a Gaza truce proposal he received through mediators.

The office added that Netanyahu subsequently decided to submit an alternative proposal to the mediators, after full coordination with Washington.

Netanyahu’s office didn’t reveal any details about the proposal presented by the mediators, or the alternative proposal he conveyed to them.