Israel Approves 60-Day Ceasefire Proposal in Gaza Amid Mounting Regional Pressure.

In a significant diplomatic development, the Israeli government has agreed to the terms of a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, following weeks of indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The proposal, which has now been formally presented to Hamas, aims to bring a temporary halt to hostilities and establish a framework for broader discussions to end the ongoing conflict.

While the precise conditions of the ceasefire remain undisclosed, officials familiar with the negotiations suggest the agreement includes a full suspension of Israeli airstrikes, guarantees for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and a reciprocal cessation of rocket fire by Hamas. The goal of the proposed pause is to create space for dialogue and to address the growing humanitarian crisis that has drawn global concern.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, after a Hamas-led attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, has escalated into one of the deadliest in the region’s modern history. According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, over 56,000 people have been killed and more than 130,000 injured in Israeli operations since the conflict began. Civilian infrastructure has been devastated, and humanitarian access has been severely restricted.

The Israeli security cabinet’s approval of the ceasefire marks a potential turning point in the conflict, though it is unclear whether Hamas will accept the proposal. The offer comes amid growing international calls for de-escalation and increased pressure on both sides to pursue a diplomatic resolution.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that he will travel to Washington next week for a series of high-level meetings with U.S. officials, including discussions on regional security, trade, and post-conflict planning. “We have several matters to finalize in the wake of our great victory in Operation Rising Lion,” Netanyahu stated, referring to the recent Israeli military campaign in central Gaza. “It is essential to translate battlefield achievements into long-term strategic gains.”

The ceasefire proposal, if accepted, would represent the most substantial diplomatic breakthrough since the war began. With regional tensions high and the humanitarian situation deteriorating, the coming days may prove decisive in determining whether the current conflict will begin to move toward resolution or continue to spiral further.