Hamas has officially communicated its acceptance of the Gaza ceasefire agreement to mediators

In the Qatari capital of Doha, mediators are actively engaged in negotiations to broker an agreement between Israel and Hamas. This deal aims to bring an end to over 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza, which has been described as genocidal, and seeks the release of Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

While specifics regarding the terms and phases of the agreement remain undisclosed, Hamas has confirmed through a statement that its delegation, spearheaded by Khalil al-Hayya, a member of the Legislative Council, submitted its formal endorsement of the ceasefire agreement to mediators in Qatar and Egypt.

Hamas has officially conveyed its response to the ceasefire agreement proposal to the mediators, according to a recent statement issued by the group’s leadership.

The political bureau of the movement convened an urgent session to evaluate the proposal put forth by the mediators.

The organization addressed the situation with responsibility and a positive approach, emphasizing its duty to the resilient population of the Gaza Strip. It called for an end to the ongoing Zionist aggression and urged a halt to the massacres and acts of genocide that the people are enduring, the statement announced.

Abubaker Abed, a correspondent for Press TV stationed in northern Gaza, reported that the streets of Gaza were filled with jubilant celebrations following the announcement of an impending ceasefire.

“The joy is boundless and everlasting as the streets of Gaza come alive with celebration,” he posted on X, emphasizing the collective tears of happiness shared by all.

Under the terms of the accord, individuals who have been displaced will be permitted to return on foot beginning on the seventh day following the ceasefire, and this will occur without any security searches.

Vehicles traveling from southern Gaza to the north are set to undergo inspection through the use of X-ray scanning equipment managed by joint Egyptian-Qatari companies.

Israeli ground forces are set to initiate a gradual withdrawal from the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors. According to military plans, the forces will reposition to a perimeter situated 700 meters inside the Gaza territory.

The retreat from the Netzarim axis is set to commence without delay. Meanwhile, the disengagement from the Philadelphia axis is scheduled to initiate progressively, approximately 40 to 50 days following the commencement of the initial phase.

The ruling authorities have agreed to cede control of the Philadelphia Corridor, situated along the Gaza-Egypt border. In line with this development, Israel has announced that it will reopen the Rafah crossing with Egypt one week following the commencement of the initial phase.

The Palestinian resistance group has announced its intention to free 33 captives in a negotiated agreement, which is set to result in the release of 2,000 individuals who were reportedly abducted and held in Gaza.

The governing authorities have announced that individuals who have sustained injuries in Gaza will be permitted to travel abroad to access medical treatment.

According to sources with knowledge of the Doha negotiations, ceasefire discussions have reportedly reached the “final stage.” Despite these developments, Israeli military operations intensified in Gaza, resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties and a fresh directive for the displacement of residents from the Jabalia refugee camp.

Several members within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet are strongly opposing a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite this opposition, reports from Israeli media indicate that the ceasefire deal could be approved, as it appears to have garnered sufficient backing in both the Knesset and the war cabinet.

A vote is anticipated for Thursday, as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced on Wednesday that he is abbreviating his European trip to participate in the parliamentary votes concerning the Gaza agreement.

Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to step down along with him in the event a ceasefire is implemented, as per his announcement on the social media platform Telegram.

Ben-Gvir expressed his opposition to the emerging agreement, describing it as a capitulation to Hamas. He urged his colleague Bezalel Smotrich to collaborate with him in efforts to oppose the deal.

“We have declared our refusal to participate in any agreement that would entail the release of a significant number of Palestinian detainees,” a spokesperson stated.

“A call has been issued to intensify efforts in Gaza, aiming to decisively defeat Hamas and exert maximum pressure until the organization surrenders.”

Israel has not met its declared goals in the ongoing conflict, despite extensive military operations that have resulted in the deaths of over 46,700 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and the widespread destruction of nearly the entire coastal region.

On October 7, 2023, Israel launched a significant military operation in Gaza in response to an unexpected attack by Palestinian groups. The operation, aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages, marks a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict.

“Agreement Hailed as Product of Remarkable Resilience”

In a press statement released later today, Hamas described the recently announced ceasefire agreement as a culmination of the “legendary steadfastness” demonstrated by the Palestinian people and the “valiant resistance” in the Gaza Strip over the last 15 months.

In a significant development, the group has hailed the ceasefire agreement regarding Gaza as a triumph for its citizens, resistance efforts, and supporters worldwide. This accord is described as a crucial milestone in their battle against adversaries and is seen as a step closer to their aspirations for liberation and repatriation.

The movement asserts that the agreement arises from the Palestinian resistance’s duty to protect the resilient population of Gaza, aiming to cease Zionist aggression and stop the ongoing violence, bloodshed, and mass atrocities they have suffered.

Hamas has expressed its appreciation for the solidarity shown by various official and public entities in supporting Gaza. The organization commended the Arab, Islamic, and international communities for their efforts in highlighting the situation in the region and working to halt the aggression and occupation.

The statement also expressed gratitude to the mediators for their considerable efforts in facilitating the agreement.