Gaza: Israel agrees to 60-day ceasefire and Hamas holds consultations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday, Thursday, July 3, Israel's approval of a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, in a new step that may end a long period of deadly confrontations.

Netanyahu confirmed that they are awaiting Hamas' response to the offer, which in turn responded that it is holding consultations with Palestinian factions to unify their position.

In an official statement, Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha confirmed that the movement is dealing with the proposals "positively and flexibly" to serve the interests of the Palestinian people and their national and humanitarian issues, indicating continued consultations with factions and regional talks to make the ceasefire efforts successful.

In the same context, Netanyahu pledged during his visit to the Kibbutz Nir Oz settlement, which witnessed the largest number of civilians being kidnapped in an attack in October 2023, to release all hostages held in Gaza.

He explained that the number of living hostages is 20 people, in addition to the presence of casualties that will all be recovered "without exception."

According to Israeli sources, the proposed agreement includes a two-month ceasefire with a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the sector.

Ten living hostages out of 20 detainees and 18 out of 30 deceased hostages will be released in five stages during the ceasefire period.

Indirect talks between the two sides are expected to start quickly after Hamas' approval, with officials from both sides meeting in the same building, exchanging messages to reach a final agreement.

The main issues to be discussed include the timetable for the Israeli forces' withdrawal and the stages of implementing the ceasefire.

This step comes amid a 21-month war between Israel and Hamas, with short periods of ceasefire lasting no more than nine weeks in total, with prisoner and hostage exchanges in previous occasions without achieving a permanent ceasefire.

These developments represent a "great opportunity" to stop the ceasefire and end the suffering of civilians in Gaza, amidst wide anticipation for Hamas' response in the coming hours.