Hamas is reviewing an Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, as a planned Rafah offensive looms
Source: NBC News/AP
April 27, 2024, 12:01 PM EDT
CAIRO Hamas said Saturday that it was reviewing a new Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza, as Egypt intensified efforts to broker a deal to end the months-long war and stave off a planned Israeli ground offensive into the southern city of Rafah.
Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya gave no details of Israels offer, but said it was in response to a proposal from Hamas two weeks ago. Negotiations earlier this month centered on a six-week cease-fire proposal and the release of 40 civilian and sick hostages in exchange for freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Hamas statement came hours after a high-level Egyptian delegation wrapped up a visit to Israel where it discussed a new vision for a prolonged cease-fire in Gaza, according to an Egyptian official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to freely discuss the developments.
It wasnt immediately clear whether Israels new proposal was directly related to Fridays visit by Egyptian mediators.
Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hamas-reviewing-israeli-proposal-cease-fire-gaza-rcna149655