
The Palestinian group Hamas has given a “positive” response to a United States-brokered proposal for a Gaza ceasefire, raising hopes of a possible breakthrough in halting Israel’s deadly offensive. According to a statement by the group, Hamas has submitted its reply to Qatar and Egypt, who are mediating the talks.
“The movement [Hamas] has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterised by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework,” the statement said.
US President Donald Trump earlier announced a “final proposal” for a 60-day truce in the nearly 21-month-old war, stating he anticipated a reply from the parties in the coming hours. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to publicly endorse the plan, despite Trump’s claim that Israel had accepted the main conditions of the proposed truce.
The proposed deal includes a 60-day truce, guaranteed by Trump, with a phased release of Israeli captives and increased humanitarian aid. The exchange would involve the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli captives from the “List of 58”, with releases occurring on days one, seven, 30, 50, and 60. Aid would flow into Gaza immediately following Hamas’s approval, in quantities comparable to the January 2025 agreement, and distribution would be handled by agencies including the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
Under the plan, all Israeli military operations would stop once the agreement takes effect. Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would begin on day one under the supervision of mediators and would cover a full exchange of captives for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli troop withdrawal, future security arrangements, and “day-after” plans for Gaza.
Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, described the Hamas response as “much-awaited, much-anticipated”. However, he noted that uncertainty remains over whether serious negotiations will lead to relief, as heavy shelling and gunfire continue near food distribution points.
Despite Hamas’s endorsement, the group has reportedly sought guarantees that the proposed truce would lead to a permanent end to Israel’s war and prevent Tel Aviv from resuming attacks at will. According to Israeli officials, details of the proposal are still under negotiation, and Israel is pressing Trump for written assurances that it can resume operations if its key demands – Hamas disarmament and the exile of its leadership – are not met.
