Mediators awaited Israel’s response Tuesday to a new Gaza cease-fire proposal, a day after Hamas accepted the plan and signaled readiness for fresh talks to end Tel Aviv's two-year genocidal war on the Palestinian enclave.
Israel and Hamas held on-and-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces and the releases of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, but they have ultimately failed to broker a lasting cease-fire.
The efforts have been mediated by Egypt and Qatar, backed by the United States, with frequent rounds of shuttle diplomacy aiming to break the deadlock.
Egypt said Monday that it and Qatar had sent the new proposal to Israel, adding "the ball is now in its court."
According to a report in Egyptian state-linked outlet al-Qahera, the latest deal proposes an initial 60-day truce, a partial hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid.
