Egypt and Qatar Move to Invite Shteinitz for Israel Peace Talks

Hamas Accepts 60-Day Gaza Ceasefire Proposal as Israel Faces Pressure to Respond

Hamas has agreed to a new 60-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza without requesting modifications, marking a significant shift in negotiations that had stalled since July. The development puts pressure on Israel to respond as Egyptian and Qatari mediators work to revive talks that could lead to a prisoner exchange and temporary halt to the 15-month conflict.

The Breakthrough: Hamas Says Yes Without Conditions

According to Palestinian sources familiar with the negotiations, Hamas delivered its acceptance to Egyptian and Qatari mediators after consulting with other Palestinian factions. The proposal calls for releasing Israeli hostages in two phases over 60 days, though specific details remain undisclosed.

This marks a notable departure from previous rounds where Hamas typically requested modifications to proposed agreements. A Palestinian source indicated that mediators provided "guarantees for implementing the agreement, with a commitment to resume negotiations for a permanent solution."

What's in the Deal

Israeli media reports suggest the updated proposal involves releasing 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others during the 60-day period in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The framework appears to build on previous proposals by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who is expected to return to the region to negotiate with Israel.

Timing and Leverage: Why Hamas Moved Now

The acceptance comes as Israel's Security Council decided to extend military operations in Gaza, specifically targeting Gaza City and central refugee camps in what officials describe as an effort to defeat Hamas entirely. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested Hamas's newfound flexibility stems from fear of Israel's threatened occupation of Gaza City.

Strategic calculation: Hamas appears to be responding to escalating military pressure rather than diplomatic goodwill. This pattern mirrors previous negotiations where military developments often drove political concessions from both sides.

Regional Mediators Take Center Stage

Egypt and Qatar have intensified their mediation efforts, with both countries' leaders meeting to coordinate strategy. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized their "categorical rejection" of any military reoccupation of Gaza or attempts to displace Palestinians.

Egyptian Information Authority head Diaa Rashwan confirmed that mediators have forwarded Hamas's acceptance to Israel, stating "the ball is now in Israel's court."

The Stalled Negotiations: A Pattern of Stops and Starts

Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, collapsed in late July amid mutual accusations. Israel and the U.S. blamed Hamas for "excessive demands," while Palestinian officials pointed to Israeli military escalation as undermining diplomatic progress.

This cycle of negotiation breakdowns followed by renewed talks has characterized the conflict since October 2023. Previous temporary ceasefires have provided brief respites but failed to address underlying issues driving the conflict.

What This Means for All Parties

For Israel

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical decision that could define his wartime leadership. Accepting the deal might bring home hostages but could face domestic criticism for not achieving stated goals of eliminating Hamas. Rejecting it risks international isolation and continued military costs.

For Regional Stability

A 60-day ceasefire could provide breathing space for humanitarian aid delivery and potentially create momentum for broader regional discussions. However, temporary agreements have historically failed to prevent conflict resumption without addressing core political issues.

For International Stakeholders

The Biden administration's involvement through Special Envoy Witkoff represents continued U.S. investment in Middle East diplomacy during a transition period. Success could provide a diplomatic legacy, while failure might complicate regional relationships for the incoming administration.

The Critical Question: Beyond 60 Days

While Hamas's acceptance represents progress, the proposal's temporary nature raises questions about long-term solutions. The commitment to resume negotiations for a "permanent solution" remains vague, and previous ceasefires have collapsed when temporary arrangements expired without broader agreements.

The international community will be watching whether this moment of apparent flexibility can translate into sustained diplomatic progress or represents another temporary pause in an intractable conflict.