Hamas Gives Initial Approval to Phased Cease-Fire Deal in Gaza

Hamas has offered its preliminary agreement to a U.S.-supported proposal for a staged cease-fire arrangement in Gaza, indicating a shift by dropping the insistence on an immediate and complete end to hostilities, a senior Hamas official and an Egyptian official disclosed on Saturday.

The potential compromise from the militant group paves the way for a potential halt in the fighting, marking the first potential pause in the conflict since November and setting the stage for further discussions to bring an end to the nine months of devastating warfare. Nonetheless, all sides exercise caution, as a final agreement remains uncertain.

Amidst these discussions, a tragic incident unfolded within Gaza as the Health Ministry reported that an Israeli airstrike targeted a school serving as a shelter, claiming the lives of at least 16 individuals and injuring around 50 others in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Among the casualties were children, underscoring the toll of the conflict on civilians. The Israeli military defended the strike, asserting it directly targeted ‘terrorists’ in the surrounding area while emphasizing efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

The proposed phased agreement, brokered by the U.S., would kick off with a comprehensive six-week cease-fire during which specific groups of hostages, including older individuals, the infirm, and female captives, would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Over the 42-day period, Israeli forces would tactically withdraw from densely populated zones in Gaza, permitting the returning of displaced residents to their homes in the northern region.

Furthermore, discussions would transpire during this period to outline subsequent phases, including the potential liberation of additional hostages – both civilians and soldiers. In return, Israel would release more Palestinian prisoners and detainees. A key element of Hamas’s consent to the phased deal hinges on securing written assurances that the negotiations for a permanent cease-fire would persist beyond the initial phase.

While Hamas seeks guarantees of Israel’s ongoing commitment to dialogue for a lasting peace agreement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a willingness to pause the conflict but insists on achieving strategic objectives before a complete cessation of hostilities. Amidst the negotiations, Netanyahu has confirmed a visit by the Mossad’s chief to Qatar, a crucial mediator in the discussions.

As the cease-fire prospects offer a glimmer of hope, the conflict’s toll on both sides remains starkly visible. The region continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath of prolonged warfare, underscoring the urgent need for a lasting and comprehensive resolution.