GAZA CITY: A Hamas source said the group had accepted a Gaza ceasefire proposal presented by mediators that reportedly involves the releasing of 10 hostages in two batches and a 70-day truce.
The outline of the new potential deal was revealed as Israel ramped up its offensive in the Palestinian territory, and follows previous rounds of talks that have failed to reach a breakthrough ever since a two-month ceasefire fell apart in mid-March.
“Hamas has agreed to the new proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which the movement received from mediators,” the Hamas source told AFP.
The deal, they added, included “a 70-day truce in exchange for the release of 10 hostages in two batches, and during the truce, negotiations would begin on a permanent ceasefire with American guarantees.”
Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, was involved in the negotiations that led to the last ceasefire deal.
Another Palestinian source close to the negotiations told AFP the new proposal laid out “the release of 10 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for a 70-day truce, a partial (Israeli) withdrawal from the Gaza Strip (and) the release of a number of Palestinian prisoners.”
The source added that mediators presented the proposal “over the past few days.”
The United States, Egypt and Qatar have all had a hand in mediating the ceasefire talks throughout the war.
The proposal, the second source said, would involve the release of “five living Israeli hostages during the first week of the agreement’s implementation, and five others before the end of the truce period.”
Israel had said last week that it was recalling its senior Gaza hostage negotiators from talks in Doha “for consultation,” while leaving some lower-level members of its team in the Qatari capital.
Israel has recently intensified its campaign in Gaza, calling it an “expansion of the battle” against Hamas.
The last ceasefire between the sides fell apart amid disagreements over how to move forward, with Israel resuming its operations in Gaza on March 18.
On March 2, Israel imposed a total aid blockade on the territory that it said was aimed at forcing concessions from Hamas, with UN agencies since warning it has created critical shortages of food, clean water, fuel and medicines.
Israel partially eased the blockade last week, and aid trucks have begun to trickle back into Gaza, though humanitarian groups have urged it to allow more supplies to enter faster.
Hamas source says group accepts mediators’ latest Gaza ceasefire proposal
https://arab.news/893zp
Hamas source says group accepts mediators’ latest Gaza ceasefire proposal
- “Hamas has agreed to the new proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which the movement received from mediators,” the Hamas source said
UAE to withdraw counter-terrorism units in Yemen, reiterates respect for Saudi sovereignty
- Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern
ABU DHABI: The UAE announced the withdrawal of its remaining counter-terrorism units in Yemen on Tuesday, citing recent developments and concerns over the safety and effectiveness of ongoing operations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and carried on Emirates News Agency, the Ministry of Defense said the decision was taken voluntarily and in coordination with relevant international partners, ensuring the safety of UAE personnel
The move follows a comprehensive assessment of current conditions and aligns with the UAE’s broader commitments to regional security and stability, the statement added.
The ministry reiterated that the UAE formally ended its military presence in Yemen in 2019 after completing its agreed missions as part of the Arab Coalition supporting Yemen’s legitimate government.
Since then, its presence had been limited to specialized counter-terrorism teams operating alongside international partners.
The UAE has been part of the Arab Coalition since 2015, contributing to efforts to support legitimacy in Yemen, combat terrorist organisations, and promote security and stability in the country, the statement added.
Earlier on Tuesday, the UAE reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty, rejecting any actions that could threaten the Kingdom or undermine regional stability.
In a statement issued in response to recent remarks by Saudi Arabia regarding developments in Yemen, the UAE stressed that it fully respects Saudi Arabia’s national security and considers the fraternal and historical ties between the two countries a cornerstone of regional stability.
Abu Dhabi emphasized its commitment to maintaining close coordination with Riyadh on all matters of mutual concern.
The UAE said its position since the start of events in Yemen’s eastern governorates of Hadramawt and Al-Mahra has been focused on containing tensions, supporting de-escalation, and working toward understandings that preserve security, stability, and the protection of civilians, in coordination with Saudi Arabia.
Abu Dhabi categorically rejected any attempt to implicate it in tensions between Yemeni factions, condemning allegations that it pressured or directed any party to carry out military operations that threaten Saudi Arabia’s security or target its borders.
The UAE also called for recent developments in eastern Yemen to be handled responsibly to prevent escalation, urging reliance on verified facts and coordination among all relevant parties to safeguard shared interests and maintain regional security and stability.
