Hamas agrees to Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by mediators -- sources

GAZA/CAIRO -- A Hamas source said Monday that the movement delivered a positive response to an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The response came after internal consultations held by Hamas with Palestinian factions, the source told Xinhua.

The source said that Cairo and Doha will contact U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to advance the negotiation process with Israel, with the aim of reaching a final agreement.

The source did not reveal details of the proposal, but other Palestinian sources reported that the proposal stipulates a prisoner exchange deal that includes the release of 10 living Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 140 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences and 60 others serving sentences of more than 15 years.

The proposal also includes the entry of urgent humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip immediately after the agreement enters into force, including fuel, water, and electricity, as well as the rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and the provision of rescue teams with the necessary equipment to remove rubble.

The United Nations and its agencies, along with the Red Crescent and international organizations operating in the Gaza Strip, will be responsible for aid distribution.

Meanwhile, Egyptian sources confirmed to Egypt's Al Qahera News TV channel that the Hamas movement agreed to a new 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by mediators from Egypt and Qatar.

The plan includes a temporary halt to military operations and the redeployment of Israeli forces to facilitate the entry of aid sufficient to meet the Gaza Strip's needs.

During the pause, a prisoner exchange is set to take place, involving the release of 10 living Israeli detainees and 18 bodies -- half of the 36 bodies held by Hamas -- in return for a number of Palestinian prisoners.

According to the Egyptian sources, discussions on a comprehensive agreement or permanent ceasefire will begin immediately once the truce takes effect.