Abed Omar Qusini/Reuters
Egypt made a late-night proposal on Monday for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry announced a three-step plan that would take effect within 12 hours of “unconditional acceptance” by both sides. After a week of heavy fighting that has left 185 people dead, the potential cease-fire is reportedly being treated seriously by both Israel and Hamas. However, Hamas officials stated that they will not accept “calm for calm.” The militant Islamic group has also said that it will not agree to any deal unless Israel and Egypt ease their joint blockade of Gaza and Israel releases men arrested in the abduction and deaths of three Jewish teenagers. Still, the fact that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh confirmed in a speech that there was “diplomatic movement” sparked hopes for peace. Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to discuss the proposal early on Tuesday.