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Hamas has responded positively to a US-backed proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, signaling a potential breakthrough in the efforts to end the 21-month-long conflict with Israel.
While the militant group has indicated its willingness to enter negotiations based on the proposed framework, reports from Arab media suggest that Hamas is seeking some minor amendments to the plan. It remains unclear whether these modifications would be acceptable to Israel, as well as to the mediating countries of Qatar, Egypt, and the US.
In a statement released late on Friday, Hamas stated, “Hamas is fully prepared and serious about immediately entering a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.” The group confirmed that it had provided a positive response to the latest proposal following internal consultations and discussions with other Palestinian factions.
Despite Hamas’s response, there has been no reaction from the Israeli government due to the observance of the Jewish Sabbath. The White House has also not commented on the development.
Meanwhile, the family of an Israeli hostage has called for an urgent cabinet meeting to discuss Hamas’s response. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday, with US President Donald Trump expressing his desire for a ceasefire. Trump has emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging Hamas to accept the proposed deal.
On the ground, the Israeli military has continued its offensive in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 100 people on Thursday and Friday, according to local health officials.
The proposal, as outlined in drafts seen by the Financial Times, involves a 60-day ceasefire with guarantees from Trump. The plan includes the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in multiple phases over the ceasefire period.
Hamas currently holds at least 20 living hostages and the bodies of 30 others captured during a raid that sparked the conflict in October 2023. The group has insisted on progressing towards a comprehensive truce before releasing all hostages.
Israeli officials report that Hamas killed around 1,200 people in Israel during the initial raid, while the subsequent military offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 60,000 individuals, predominantly women and children, in Gaza.
Under the proposed ceasefire, Israel would withdraw from certain areas of northern and southern Gaza, facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries, and engage in negotiations for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Additional reporting by Myles McCormick in Washington
