Gaza City: Hamas has accepted an Egyptian offer for a ceasefire in Gaza, which includes releasing five living hostages and initiating negotiations for a long-term cessation of hostilities.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Egyptian proposal accepted by Hamas closely mirrors an earlier proposal by US envoy Steve Witkoff during negotiations in Doha, which Hamas initially rejected. An Israeli official disclosed that this proposal might also involve the release of deceased hostages, with Israel expected to present a counter-proposal to Hamas’s position.

The matter is scheduled for discussion at a meeting of the Political and Security Council on Saturday evening. The Israeli official further noted that while an agreement by Eid al-Fitr, which is anticipated to begin on Sunday or Monday, might not be feasible, there is potential for an agreement by Passover.