HAMAS negotiators in Cairo have agreed a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, which calls for an initial 60-day truce and hostage release in two batches. ‘The proposal is a framework agreement to launch negotiations on a permanent ceasefire,’ an official said, adding: ‘Hamas will hold internal consultations among its leadership’ and with leaders of other Palestinian factions to review the mediators’ proposals. Hamas had said last week that a senior delegation was in the Egyptian capital for talks to secure a ceasefire. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited the Rafah border crossing with Gaza on Monday. This contraction is the first quarterly drop since late 2023, when the economy plummeted 20.8% as the genocide in Gaza took a heavy toll on consumer spending, trade, andinvestment.