Hamas agreed on Monday, August 18, to the terms of a proposed ceasefire by Egypt and Qatar to temporarily end hostilities in the Gaza Strip. The terms include the immediate release of 10 living hostages, the freeing of Palestinian prisoners, an exchange of bodies, and the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops. According to Qatari and Egyptian sources cited by various Arab media outlets, the proposal provides for a 60-day initial period for a temporary ceasefire and the deployment of massive humanitarian aid. During this time, negotiations would be held to end the conflict, with the United States providing guarantees to prevent a breakdown of the accord, as occurred in March when Israel ended the truce by heavily bombing the territory.

According to the latest figures from the Gaza health ministry, a number deemed reliable by international organizations, more than 62,000 Gaza residents have been killed since the beginning of Israel's response to Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.

On Tuesday morning, Israel had neither accepted nor rejected the proposal. However, several Hebrew-language media outlets cited a senior, anonymous official who said, "Israel's position has not changed – the release of all hostages and acceptance of all conditions to end the war." On August 14, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated several conditions, including the demilitarization of Gaza and Hamas, the return of all hostages, Israeli security control of Gaza, and a civilian administration of the territory that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

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