Hamas reacts to ceasefire proposal to end war in Gaza

Hamas has announced that it has responded to a framework proposal for a new ceasefire to end the raging war in Gaza.

The terms of the agreement, which was reached by Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have not been made public.

It was previously believed to entail a six-week truce in which more Israeli captives would be traded for Palestinian detainees.

Israel and the US have both stated that they are assessing Hamas’ reaction.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is presently in the Middle East, said he will discuss Hamas’ reaction with Israeli authorities on Wednesday.

Washington regarded a possible peace deal as the easiest way to prevent tensions from spreading further.

The conflict in Gaza began with an unexpected cross-border attack by Hamas fighters on southern Israel on October 7, in which over 1,300 people were killed and approximately 250 more were held hostage.

In retaliation, Israeli forces have killed about 27,500 people and injured over 66,000 others. Women and children are mostly affected by the war.

The UN also said the Israeli offensive has internally displaced 85% of Gaza’s population, resulting in serious shortages of food, potable water, and medicines, while 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed.