This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/world-middle-east-68963839

The article has changed 63 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 21 Version 22
Israel Gaza live updates: Hamas says it accepts Gaza truce deal, as Israel readies Rafah operation - BBC News Israel Gaza live updates: Hamas says it accepts Gaza truce deal, as Israel readies Rafah operation - BBC News
(32 minutes later)
Raffi Berg A bit more reaction now, this time from Turkey.
BBC Online Middle East editor President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed the acceptance of a ceasefire proposal by Hamas and says he hopes Israel will do the same, according to a report by Reuters.
Hamas's statement that it accepts a proposal came as weeks of mediated talks seemed to have stalled. The agency says Erdogan is also calling on Western countries to increase their pressure on Israel.
Negotiations have been arduous, involving not just Hamas and Israel indirectly but also the US, Qatar and Egypt. Last week, Turkey suspended all trade with Israel over its offensive in Gaza, citing the "worsening humanitarian tragedy" in the strip.
At this point, it is unclear exactly what Hamas means it accepts, but in recent days unconfirmed reports spoke of a phased agreement which would see dozens of Israeli hostages released in return for a much greater number of Palestinian prisoners in Israel amid a pause in the fighting.
Hamas had been holding out for a complete end to the war but Israel has made clear that is something which it cannot accept, since it would allow Hamas to survive.
Hamas's statement came hours after Israel, for the first time, ordered Palestinians to evacuate from part of the southern Gaza city of Rafah in preparation for an operation - a move which could have put increased pressure on Hamas to avert that.
FacebookFacebook
TwitterTwitter
ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkRead more about these links.ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkRead more about these links.
Copy this linkCopy this link