Palestinians walk on a street, filled with debris of destroyed buildings due to the Israeli attacks, to return to their homes as extent of destruction comes to the surface following the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the some areas, including Al-Mecusi, in Gaza City, Gaza on April 24, 2024.
Dawoud Abo Alkas | Anadolu | Getty Images
Hamas said it told Egyptian and Qatari negotiators that it has approved a cease-fire proposal to halt the war in Gaza, according to a press statement.
Israel has not yet issued a formal response.
Negotiations intensified over the weekend, with facilitation from U.S. CIA Director William Burns, alongside mediators from Egypt and Qatar.
The negotiations came amid Israel’s ongoing threats to invade Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, which appeared imminent if a temporary cease-fire agreement was not reached.
U.S. officials have repeatedly warned Israel against an offensive in Rafah, where millions of civilians have taken refuge.
NBC News previously reported that the deal would require Hamas to release 33 hostages in exchange for Israel agreeing to release Palestinian prisoners and pause military operations, which would ease the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
This is developing news. Check back for updates.