GAZA - In a significant development on Tuesday, Hamas announced that it is currently reviewing a new proposal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. The proposal, presented by mediators after talks with Israel, outlines a three-stage truce. The first stage involves the release of remaining civilians among hostages captured on October 7, followed by the release of soldiers and, finally, the return of the bodies of those killed. Details regarding the duration of each stage and subsequent steps remain undisclosed.

This marks the most serious peace initiative in months, following the collapse of the brief truce in late November. The proposal emerged after talks in Paris involving intelligence chiefs from Israel, the United States, and Egypt, along with the prime minister of Qatar. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is set to discuss the proposal in Cairo, emphasizing the gravity of the negotiations. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to a "total victory," refusing to withdraw troops from Gaza until then.

The ceasefire proposal coincided with an undercover Israeli raid in the West Bank, where commandos disguised as medical workers and Muslim women stormed a hospital, resulting in the death of three Palestinian militants, including a paralyzed fighter. The Israeli military justified the raid, claiming that one of the men was armed and another was planning an attack on Israel from inside the hospital. Palestinian officials condemned the incident as a violation of humanitarian law.

While diplomatic efforts are underway, the fighting in Gaza persists, with intense battles in both the northern and southern regions. The ongoing conflict has led to regional escalations, including attacks on U.S. forces by groups allied to Iran. In a rare move towards de-escalation, the pro-Iranian Ketaib Hezbollah militia announced the suspension of armed operations against the United States, following an attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers.

As negotiations unfold, the contrasting positions of Hamas and Israel present a formidable challenge, with Hamas insisting on a broader deal to end the war permanently, while Israel demands the eradication of the militant group that has ruled Gaza since 2007. The outcome of the ceasefire proposal remains uncertain, with domestic and international pressures influencing the decisions of both parties.