Hamas accepts new Gaza ceasefire proposal; Israel makes counter-offer

Gaza: Hamas has announced its approval of a ceasefire proposal from mediators, which it received two days earlier.

"In our commitment to our people and families, we have engaged with all proposals responsibly and positively, aiming to end the war," stated Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas in Gaza, on Saturday.

"Two days ago, we received a proposal from our mediator brothers. We responded positively and approved it. We hope the occupation does not obstruct it or undermine the mediators' efforts," the statement added.

Reaffirming its stance on armed resistance, Hamas described it as a "red line," asserting that "the weapon of resistance" will remain in the hands of the people and the state if "the Israeli occupation persists." It further stated, "We will never accept humiliation or disgrace for our people. There will be no displacement or deportation."

Hamas also disclosed that, along with other factions, it had submitted to Egypt a list of independent professionals and experts to help form a committee for managing the enclave, according to Xinhua news agency.

Israel confirmed on Saturday night that it had received the new Gaza truce proposal and had sent a counteroffer to the mediating countries. Reports indicate that key points of dispute include the number of hostages to be released.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that the counteroffer was "fully coordinated with the US." According to Israel's state-owned Kan TV News, the terms proposed to Israel include Hamas releasing some of the 59 hostages in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire in Gaza.

Despite ongoing mediation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its troops had launched new ground operations in the Al Janina area in Rafah, southern Gaza, aimed at expanding the security zone. It reported that Hamas infrastructures were dismantled during the operations.

The IDF and Israel's Shin Bet security agency also carried out airstrikes on Hamas and Islamic Jihad military targets across Gaza, claiming to have "killed dozens of militants," including those responsible for launching mortars toward Israeli territory.

Israeli forces resumed their strikes in Gaza on March 18, effectively ending the ceasefire agreement with Hamas that had been in place since January 19.

With IANS inputs