Hamas accepts Arab plan for Gaza truce

Israel signals it has not changed its stance. Palestinian deaths top 62,000, officials say.

- BY VICTORIA EASTWOOD, SAMY MAGDY AND MELANIE LIDMAN

Hamas said Monday that it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as Israel indicated its positions haven't changed, and Gaza’s Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war has surpassed 62,000.

President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the long-running negotiations that Washington has mediated as well. “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be,” he posted on social media.

Israel announced plans to reoccupy Gaza City and other heavily populated areas after the apparent breakdown of ceasefire talks last month, raising the possibility of a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which experts say is sliding into famine.

Plans to expand the offensive, in part aimed at pressuring Hamas, have sparked international outrage and infuriated many Israelis who fear for the remaining hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that started the war. Hundreds of thousands took part in mass protests Sunday calling for their return.

U.S. invited to talks

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said mediators are “exerting extensive efforts” to revive a U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, during which some of the remaining 50 hostages would be released and the sides would negotiate a lasting ceasefire and the return of the rest.

The foreign minister told the Associated Press they are inviting U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to join the ceasefire talks.