Gaza Ceasefire Breakthrough: Hamas Accepts Egypt-Qatar Proposal for Path to End Conflict

Hamas Accepts Egyptian-Qatari Peace Proposal as Regional Powers Push for Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Hamas has agreed to a comprehensive peace proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar that could end the ongoing war in Gaza, according to informed Egyptian sources. The breakthrough comes as regional mediators intensify diplomatic efforts, with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani coordinating closely with the United States to secure an immediate ceasefire and establish a framework for lasting peace.

Key Terms of the Proposed Agreement

The Egyptian-Qatari proposal outlines a structured approach to de-escalation that addresses both immediate humanitarian concerns and longer-term political solutions. The agreement calls for a 60-day cessation of military operations, during which Israeli forces would reposition to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza's population.

Under the prisoner exchange component, Hamas would release 10 living Israeli detainees and 18 bodies in return for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. Significantly, the proposal mandates that negotiations for a permanent ceasefire begin immediately on the first day of the truce, suggesting both sides recognize the need for sustained diplomatic momentum.

Regional Diplomacy Takes Center Stage

The timing of Hamas's acceptance coincides with high-level diplomatic meetings in Cairo, where President el-Sisi and Qatar's Prime Minister reaffirmed their joint commitment to mediation efforts. Their coordination with Washington reflects a broader regional consensus that the current conflict requires multilateral intervention to prevent further escalation.

Egypt's Strategic Position

Egypt's central role in these negotiations builds on decades of experience mediating Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. As the first Arab nation to sign a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, Egypt maintains unique diplomatic channels with both sides. The country's control of the Rafah crossing also gives it significant leverage over Gaza's humanitarian situation.

Qatar's Influence Network

Qatar's involvement reflects its established role as a regional mediator, having previously facilitated negotiations between various Middle Eastern parties. The Gulf state's financial resources and diplomatic relationships across the region make it an essential partner in any comprehensive peace process.

Reconstruction Plans Signal Long-term Commitment

Beyond immediate ceasefire terms, Egyptian officials are already preparing for post-conflict reconstruction efforts. President el-Sisi has called for an International Cairo Conference for Reconstruction to be organized in cooperation with the Palestinian government and the United Nations.

This forward-looking approach suggests regional powers are betting on the proposal's success and want to prevent the cycle of destruction and rebuilding that has characterized previous Gaza conflicts. The emphasis on working with the Palestinian government also indicates an effort to strengthen legitimate Palestinian institutions rather than allowing militant groups to control reconstruction efforts.

Implications for Regional Stability

The proposal's explicit rejection of Gaza's reoccupation or Palestinian displacement addresses two of the most contentious issues in the current conflict. Both Egypt and Qatar have emphasized that lasting peace requires an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital – a position that aligns with international consensus but remains a significant challenge given current political realities.

If implemented successfully, this agreement could serve as a model for future conflict resolution in the region. However, the proposal's success depends heavily on Israeli acceptance and the ability of all parties to maintain momentum during the critical first days of any ceasefire, when permanent arrangements must be negotiated.

The involvement of the United States as a coordinating partner also suggests that any final agreement will need to address broader regional security concerns and align with American strategic interests in the Middle East.