Gaza: Hamas submits new ceasefire proposal with significant concessions, Netanyahu goes to Cairo

Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to Cairo today for talks on a ceasefire in Gaza, sources briefed on the developments told Reuters, adding that an agreement is expected to be signed in the coming days.

With its military strength limited and its political influence in decline, Hamas is under increasing public pressure to help end the war in Gaza.

Palestinians in the besieged enclave want a ceasefire more than anything else after 14 months of conflict with Israel, and many residents are now turning against the group’s fighters as they struggle to survive hunger, displacement and Israeli attacks.

Last week, Hamas publicly softened its negotiating position with Israel. A new proposal for a 60-day cessation of hostilities and an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, which includes giving in to demands for a complete cessation of the war and a withdrawal of Israeli forces, has been put on the table by Hamas, an official told the Washington Post. The group is still insisting, however, that displaced Palestinians be allowed to return to northern Gaza, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

At the same time, according to a senior Egyptian official involved in the negotiations, Hamas also handed Israel a list of hostages who remain alive.

“There is a real change in public opinion, and now there is a strong desire to stop the war at all costs,” another Hamas source said, adding, however, that “the organization cannot be eliminated, there is no alternative plan on this.”

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