PM urges Hamas to accept ceasefire deal

THE Prime Minister says Hamas should accept a new proposal by Israel for an immediate six-week ceasefire in Gaza that could become a “sustainable and lasting peace, which is what we all want to see”.

Echoing US President Joe Biden’s backing of the plan on Friday, Rishi Sunak said that once in place, the proposal would allow Gaza to be “flooded” with vital aid.

Families of the 121 hostages still held by Hamas since October also called for all parties to accept the plan immediately so that a release schedule can be worked out.

Gili Roman, whose sister has been freed but his sister-in-law has not, said: “This might be the last chance to save lives.”

Mr Sunak said: “It’s very welcome news. I hope Hamas take this opportunity to conclude the deal that’s on the table...will ensure that the hostages can be released and be back with their families, that we can flood Gaza with far more aid than we’ve been getting in.” US, Egyptian and Israeli officials are meanwhile due to meet in Cairo today to discuss the reopening of Gaza’s Rafah crossing, which has been closed since early May.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said: “We have witnessed too much suffering and destruction in Gaza. It’s time to stop.”

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu still demands “the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities”, the release of all hostages and neutralising Gaza as a threat. He said: “The notion Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter.”

Hamas has confirmed “its readiness to deal positively and in a constructive manner” with proposals based on a permanent ceasefire, a full Israel Defense Forces withdrawal, reconstruction, the return of the displaced and “a genuine prisoner swap deal”.

Yesterday the militant Hezbollah group claimed it shot down an Israeli drone over southern Lebanon and fired rockets at an

Israeli military base. On Friday, President Biden called the proposal “a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire” with all hostages freed.

He also signalled that Washington saw Israel’s aim of neutralising Hamas as accomplished because the group is “no longer capable of carrying out another October 7th”.

A permanent ceasefire would also “create ...a different future and a better future for the Palestinian people, one of self-determination, dignity, security and freedom”, he said.