BREAKING: Hamas says it accepts ceasefire proposal

Hamas has approved a proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza war put forward by mediators Qatar and Egypt, the Palestinian group says, although Israel has yet to comment on the proposal.

The announcement follows a mass exodus from eastern Rafah as Israel instructs tens of thousands to evacuate. Specifics of the proposal remain unclear.

The statement was issued as residents of southern Gaza’s Rafah began fleeing in response to Israel’s evacuation orders amid escalating fears of a significant military operation. Over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians seek refuge in the region.

Israel and Hamas have engaged in indirect negotiations facilitated by Qatar and Egypt regarding a potential Gaza war ceasefire and the exchange of captives. Egyptian and Hamas officials have suggested a multi-stage ceasefire involving the release of Israeli captives by Hamas in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza.

It remained uncertain whether the agreement would meet Hamas’ main demands, including a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of displaced families to their homes.