Hamas agrees to ceasefire as Israel initiates ground offensive in Rafah
On Saturday, Hamas announced its approval of a ceasefire proposal for the Gaza Strip, which had been presented to them by mediators two days prior.
TroibNews 
Hamas announced on Saturday that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal from mediators, received two days prior, regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip.
"In our commitment to our people and families, we have engaged with all proposals responsibly and positively, aiming to end the war," Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas's leader in Gaza, stated.
"Two days ago, we received a proposal from our mediator brothers. We responded positively and approved it. We hope the occupation does not obstruct it or undermine the mediators' efforts," the statement continued.
The announcement also reiterated Hamas's position on armed resistance, characterizing it as a "red line" and cautioning that "the weapon of resistance" will remain with the people and the state "if the Israeli occupation persists."
"We will never accept humiliation or disgrace for our people. There will be no displacement or deportation," it emphasized.
Additionally, Hamas indicated that it, alongside other factions, had submitted a list of independent professionals and experts to Egypt to assist in forming a committee to govern the enclave.
Meanwhile, Israel confirmed on Saturday night that it had received a new truce proposal from Gaza and had issued a counteroffer to the mediating countries. Reports from the media indicated that key points of contention include the number of hostages to be freed.
The counteroffer was "fully coordinated with the United States," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated.
According to Israeli state-owned Kan TV News, the terms proposed to Israel involved Hamas releasing some of the 59 hostages still held in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire in Gaza.
Despite intense mediation for a ceasefire, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its troops had initiated new ground operations in the Al Janina area of Rafah in southern Gaza, aiming to expand the security zone.
The IDF confirmed that during these operations, "Hamas terrorist infrastructures" were dismantled.
The statement noted that the IDF, along with Israel's Shin Bet security agency, conducted airstrikes on military targets associated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad throughout Gaza, resulting in the deaths of dozens of militants, including some "who had launched mortars toward Israeli territory."
Israeli forces resumed strikes in Gaza on March 18, which effectively concluded a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that had been in effect since January 19.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
"In our commitment to our people and families, we have engaged with all proposals responsibly and positively, aiming to end the war," Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas's leader in Gaza, stated.
"Two days ago, we received a proposal from our mediator brothers. We responded positively and approved it. We hope the occupation does not obstruct it or undermine the mediators' efforts," the statement continued.
The announcement also reiterated Hamas's position on armed resistance, characterizing it as a "red line" and cautioning that "the weapon of resistance" will remain with the people and the state "if the Israeli occupation persists."
"We will never accept humiliation or disgrace for our people. There will be no displacement or deportation," it emphasized.
Additionally, Hamas indicated that it, alongside other factions, had submitted a list of independent professionals and experts to Egypt to assist in forming a committee to govern the enclave.
Meanwhile, Israel confirmed on Saturday night that it had received a new truce proposal from Gaza and had issued a counteroffer to the mediating countries. Reports from the media indicated that key points of contention include the number of hostages to be freed.
The counteroffer was "fully coordinated with the United States," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated.
According to Israeli state-owned Kan TV News, the terms proposed to Israel involved Hamas releasing some of the 59 hostages still held in exchange for a 50-day ceasefire in Gaza.
Despite intense mediation for a ceasefire, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its troops had initiated new ground operations in the Al Janina area of Rafah in southern Gaza, aiming to expand the security zone.
The IDF confirmed that during these operations, "Hamas terrorist infrastructures" were dismantled.
The statement noted that the IDF, along with Israel's Shin Bet security agency, conducted airstrikes on military targets associated with Hamas and Islamic Jihad throughout Gaza, resulting in the deaths of dozens of militants, including some "who had launched mortars toward Israeli territory."
Israeli forces resumed strikes in Gaza on March 18, which effectively concluded a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that had been in effect since January 19.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
