CAIRO, Aug. 18 — Hamas has received a new ceasefire proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators that calls for a 60-day truce in Gaza and the release of all hostages in two phases, an Egyptian security source told Xinhua on Monday.
The new proposal, which calls for starting negotiations on a permanent ceasefire, is based on the proposals of Egypt and U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, the source said on condition of anonymity.
He added that the proposal includes demands for Hamas to disarm and for the Palestinian Authority to administer Gaza. Hamas is expected to consult with other Palestinian factions before responding, the source said.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, speaking alongside Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa at Rafah on Monday, said Cairo opposed “impossible conditions” in the negotiations and stressed the need for a permanent ceasefire.
He noted that Witkoff’s plan includes a 60-day truce and added, “We are now working on the basis of this proposal.” Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani also travelled to Egypt on Monday for meetings with mediators as efforts continue, according to Doha News.
Meanwhile, a Palestinian official also confirmed to Xinhua that Hamas negotiators in Cairo had received a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, calling for a 60-day truce and hostage release in two batches, without providing more details.
Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha collapsed in late July without a deal. Israel has since said it intends to launch a new offensive to seize full control of Gaza City. (Xinhua)
