Gaza Strip – August 18, 2025

In a significant development, Hamas has reportedly informed international mediators that it has approved the latest ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip. The announcement, which comes after more than 22 months of continuous conflict, marks a potential turning point in a war that has led to a devastating humanitarian crisis. The proposed agreement, which was brokered by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, aims to secure a temporary truce and the release of hostages, while laying the groundwork for further negotiations on a more permanent peace.

Headlines

 * Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Proposal “Without Amendments”.

 * Deal Reportedly Includes 60-Day Truce and Hostage Exchange.

 * Israel’s Response Awaited Amid Signs of Continued Military Plans.

 * Mediators Scramble to Secure an Agreement Before Further Escalation.

The reported approval by Hamas came on August 18, 2025, with sources close to the negotiations confirming that the group had accepted the proposal “without requesting any amendments.” This suggests a new flexibility on the part of Hamas, particularly as the deal is said to be “98% similar” to an earlier proposal that the group had previously rejected. The terms of the plan reportedly include an initial 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 Israeli hostages would be released in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners. The deal also calls for the release of the bodies of deceased hostages.

According to sources, the ceasefire would also see the Israeli military redeploying its forces to allow for the entry of urgent humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The plan details the need for a massive influx of fuel, water, electricity, and medical supplies to a region where aid agencies have warned of a looming famine. This provision is seen as a key component for providing much-needed relief to the more than two million Palestinians living in the besieged enclave.

While the news has been met with cautious optimism from international observers, Israel’s response remains to be seen. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel will not end the war until all hostages are returned and Hamas is dismantled. An Israeli official confirmed that Jerusalem had received Hamas’s latest response, but there has been no formal comment on whether they will agree to the terms. This diplomatic ambiguity comes as Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved plans for an expanded military operation in Gaza City, which adds urgency to the mediators’ efforts.

The successful implementation of this truce would be a major step forward, but the path to a lasting peace is fraught with challenges. The current proposal is designed to be a phased agreement, with negotiations on a permanent ceasefire and the release of all remaining hostages to follow the initial 60-day truce. However, the deep-seated disagreements on issues like territorial control and a final political resolution for Gaza continue to be major obstacles. The international community, led by the mediators in Egypt and Qatar, is now focused on pressuring both sides to honor the terms of the agreement and use this window of opportunity to find a more comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict.