Hamas accepts ceasefire offer, signals rejection of Israel

The Palestinian independence movement Hamas has approved a 60-day Gaza ceasefire proposed by Qatar and Egypt, the mediators. In a statement on Monday (August 18), the Palestinian group said it and other Palestinian groups had accepted the offer from Qatar and Egyptian mediators on Sunday. The Times of Israel reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government had received the message. The announcement of the acceptance of Hamas’ ceasefire offer came after Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo. According to the proposed deal, there will be a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half of the Israeli hostages. In addition, humanitarian aid will be allowed to enter. However, Hamas’ acceptance does not mean that the war is going to end anytime soon. Over the past two years, Hamas has repeatedly agreed to ceasefires and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. But Israel has rejected them on various pretexts and insisted on continuing its attacks on the Gaza Strip. After Hamas’s approval, an Israeli official told the Times of Israel that Jerusalem had received Hamas’ latest response to the ceasefire in Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that he will reject the offer. He said that he had spoken to the Israeli defense minister and chief of staff about plans to seize Gaza City and complete the Israeli mission. According to him, Hamas is under great pressure. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has formed a committee to draft an interim constitution. This will serve as a preparation for the future Palestinian state. It is also being seen as preparation for the general elections and the United Nations General Assembly conference.