Hamas says it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in Gaza that would still need Israel’s approval.

It was unclear whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel was on board with the terms, which came as Qatar and Egypt were intensifying mediation efforts.

Hamas said it has agreed to a deal proposed by Qatar and Egypt to pause the militant group’s war with Israel in Gaza, fueling optimism that a long-awaited breakthrough in negotiations could be close.

A key mediator on Gaza is stressing the urgency of brokering a ceasefire after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a proposal.

As Israel expands operations in the enclave, Gazans increasingly voice defiance against Hamas, with dissenters risking their lives to demand freedom from the group’s grip.

Hamas said that Israel's plan to relocate residents from Gaza City constitutes a "new wave of genocide and displacement" for hundreds of thousands.

More Palestinians are calling on Hamas to lead power and end the war with Israel after nearly two years of fighting — but the terror group is responding with extreme violence, reportedly executing critics inside the Gaza Strip,