Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Deal, Israel So Far Silent

The Guardian reports:

Hamas says it has accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal to halt seven-month war with Israel. It issued a statement Monday saying its supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, had delivered the news in a phone call with Qatar’s prime minister and Egypt’s intelligence minister.

The two Middle Eastern nations have been mediating months of talks between Israel and Hamas. There was no immediate comment from Israel.  After the release of the statement, Palestinians erupted in cheers in the sprawling tent camps around Rafah, hoping the deal meant an Israeli attack had been averted.

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People in Rafah, messaged me saying men women and children are in the streets celebrating and dancing at the news that Hamas has accepted a ceasefire deal. No details have been released of which exact deal. Silence from Israel so far. Everyone is holding their breath.

— Bel Trew (@Beltrew) May 6, 2024