The Palestinian faction Hamas has expressed a positive stance on a US-facilitated ceasefire initiative for Gaza, potentially paving the way for an end to Israel’s aggressive military campaign. Earlier, US President Donald Trump unveiled what he described as a “final proposal” to halt nearly 21 months of conflict, which included a 60-day truce plan, with expectations for responses from the parties involved shortly. On Friday, Hamas announced that it had communicated its response to the mediators, Qatar and Egypt. In a statement, Hamas declared its willingness to actively engage in negotiations to implement the proposal.
President Trump previously indicated that Israel had agreed to key aspects of the proposed ceasefire, which aims to lead to peace talks, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet made a public endorsement. Netanyahu, facing potential legal actions from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes in Gaza, is scheduled for a meeting with Trump in Washington on Monday. Reports from Israeli media suggest the government received Hamas’s official stance on the proposal and is currently evaluating it. According to a translated document discussed by Al Jazeera, the proposal entails a 60-day ceasefire backed by Trump, along with steps for the phased release of Israeli captives and increased humanitarian aid.
The plan includes releasing captives on days one, seven, 30, 50, and 60, beginning with eight alive individuals on the first day. Following Hamas’s consent, aid flow into Gaza would commence, facilitated by agencies like the UN and the Palestine Red Crescent Society, mirroring a prior agreement from January 2025. Israeli military actions would cease upon the agreement’s activation, allowing for daily pauses in military flights over Gaza, with extended durations on prisoner exchange days. With mediators’ oversight, negotiations for a lasting ceasefire would begin on the first day, focusing on exchanging captives for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli troop withdrawal, future security arrangements, and plans for Gaza post-conflict.
Reporting from Gaza City, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud noted the keen interest in Hamas’s response among Palestinians eager for peace. Despite ongoing violence at aid distribution centers, there remains hope that serious discussions will lead to lasting peace, though uncertainty prevails. Early on Friday, Trump stated he anticipated receiving clarity from Hamas soon, expressing a desire to resolve hostage situations in the coming week. While Hamas has shown general support, it has reportedly requested reassurances for a permanent resolution that would prevent further Israeli military actions.
Sources cited by Reuters indicate ongoing negotiations over the proposal’s specifics. Additionally, Israel is reportedly seeking written commitments from Trump affirming its right to renew military actions if Hamas does not meet certain conditions, such as disarmament and leadership exile. Israeli media previously reported that the agreement might include a provision from Trump ensuring Israel’s ability to resume hostilities if Hamas fails to adhere to the terms, with Israel making the final determination on compliance. Netanyahu has consistently maintained that the dismantling of Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza is crucial for peace, a sticking point in discussions.
A previous truce faltered after Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of more than 400 Palestinians on March 18, leading to intensified conflict. Since then, over 6,000 Palestinians have reportedly died, with Israeli forces killing more than 57,268 Palestinians and injuring over 130,000 since October 7, 2023.
