Hamas agrees to new Gaza ceasefire proposal as Israel makes a counter-offer

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office informed that it did receive the proposal agreed by Hamas but the country has presented a counter-proposal to the third negotiator, United States in “full coordination”.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a series of consultations yesterday pursuant to the proposal that was received from the mediators.

A few hours ago, Israel conveyed to the mediators a counter-proposal in full coordination with the US.

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) March 29, 2025

If agreed by Israel and Hamas, the second ceasefire would begin from Sunday onwards which coincides with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

According to an AP report, the new ceasefire deal involves Hamas releasing five hostages, including an American-Israeli, from Gaza while Israel would allow aid into the territory and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

People take part in a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in Tel Aviv, Israel. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

The Gaza death toll in the war, which started in October 2023, has crossed 50,000, as per Palestine’s health ministry. First ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Hamas brought a pause in hostilities from January 19, until March 18 when Israel relaunched its strikes on Gaza.

During the first phase of the ceasefire, Iran-backed Hamas militant group had released 33 hostages and it is reported that the group still holds about 59 hostages but not all are believed to be alive.

Hamas-run health ministry said that since Israel relaunched its strikes on March 18, more than 900 people have been killed.

Israel and the US had proposed that the first phase of ceasefire, which expired on March 1, should be extended. But Tel Aviv accused Hamas of rejecting the extension.