Hamas accepts new Gaza truce plan with Israel, hostage release

THE PALESTINIAN HEALTH MINISTRY SAID MONDAY THAT MORE THAN 62,000 PALESTINIANS HAVE BEEN KILLED IN THE 22-MONTH WAR IN GAZA

- PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Hamas has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal with Israel that includes the release of half the hostages held in Gaza and Israel’s release of some Palestinian prisoners, an Egyptian official source said Monday.

Senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed the group’s approval of the proposal, writing on Facebook: “The movement has handed over its approval to the new proposal presented by the mediators.”

Israeli media quoted Israeli sources as saying the Hamas response had been received.

There was no official response from Israel, but in a video from his office Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, “I, like you, hear the reports in the media, and from them you can get one impression - Hamas is under immense pressure.”

The Egyptian official source stated that the agreement included a suspension of Israeli military operations for 60 days and outlined a framework for a comprehensive deal to end the nearly two-year conflict.