Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed to a ceasefire proposal that includes the release of five hostages, including Ethan Alexander, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, CNN and others reported on the 29th (local time).

On the 29th (local time), protesters are raising banners and the Israeli flag during an anti-government demonstration urging measures for the release of Israeli hostages in front of the Ministry of National Defense in Tel Aviv. / Courtesy of AFP

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, who is leading the ceasefire negotiations on behalf of Hamas, said in a video released that day, “Two days ago, we positively reviewed and accepted the proposal received from the mediators of Egypt and Qatar,” and added, “We hope that the (Israeli) occupying forces will not harm this.”

According to the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Israel has made a counterproposal to Egypt's offer. Israel and Hamas entered a ceasefire earlier this year, but after failing to reach an agreement on the details related to the implementation of a second phase of the ceasefire, Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza on the 18th, 42 days into the ceasefire. Since then, Israel has blocked humanitarian supplies entering Gaza and warned that it would remain in Gaza until the 24 Israeli hostages are released.