Hamas said it agreed to a ceasefire deal, promoting hopes of a pause in the fighting in Gaza. The organisation’s head, Ismail Haniyeh, informed Qatari and Egyptian mediators that the group accepted their proposal for a ceasefire.
The announcement led to jubilation among Palestinians inside Gaza, who are desperate for an end to the daily bombings and slaughter.
Hundreds of Israelis also gathered at a military barracks in Tel Aviv, demanding a deal be struck with Hamas, so hostages can be released.
However, Benjamin Netanyahu said the proposals fell short of Israel‘s demands and the limited military operation in Rafah would continue.
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The proposals put forward by Hamas included releasing “33 Israeli captives (alive or dead), including women (civilians and soldiers), children (under the age of 19 who are not soldiers), those over the age of 50, and the sick” in the first phase, in exchange for a number of prisoners, according to Al Jazeera.
In addition Hamas will release “all living Israeli female soldiers” in return for prisoners.
However, Hamas is demanding that Israel withdraws all its troops from the Gaza Strip.
The family and relatives of Israeli hostages have urged their government to accept the truce proposals.
“Hamas’s announcement must pave the way for the return of the 132 hostages held captive by Hamas for the past seven months,” a statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said.
“Now is the time for all that are involved to fulfil their commitment and turn this opportunity into a deal for the return of all the hostages.”