Hamas has accepted a ceasefire and hostage-release proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, according to Palestinian officials. The plan, based on a framework advanced by US envoy Steve Witkoff, includes a 60-day truce during which Hamas would free about half of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages. Talks on a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal would continue during this period, according to BBC.

Israel has not formally responded. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said any deal must secure the release of all hostages at once. Meanwhile, Israel’s cabinet is expected to approve an expanded military offensive in Gaza, including plans to seize Gaza City.

The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry says more than 62,000 people have been killed in the territory, BBC reported.