Hamas says it has given a “positive response” to mediators regarding a US-backed plan to end its conflict with Israel. The development has raised cautious hopes for progress as Gaza continues to face a worsening humanitarian crisis.
US President Donald Trump recently presented what he called a “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire between the two sides. He stated that Israel had agreed to the main conditions needed to stop the fighting.
The proposal outlines the staged release of 10 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas. It also includes the return of the bodies of 18 others. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and suspend airstrikes on Gaza.
Reactions from both sides
Hamas said on its website that it had submitted its response “in a positive spirit” and was ready to begin new talks to discuss how to carry out the plan.
Israeli media reported that officials had received Hamas’s response and were reviewing it. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet publicly approved the deal.
Mr Netanyahu is expected to meet Mr Trump in Washington on Monday.
Dire conditions in Gaza and next steps
Conditions in Gaza remain severe. Food, water, and medical supplies are in short supply, and continued airstrikes have made aid delivery dangerous. Civilians have been targeted while trying to collect basic supplies.
According to the UN human rights office, 613 Palestinians were killed in one month while seeking humanitarian aid. Of these, 509 died at distribution points managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, backed by the US and Israel.
A Hamas official said the ceasefire could begin as early as next week. However, talks are still needed to agree on the number of prisoners to be exchanged and the amount of aid that will be allowed into Gaza during the truce.
Hamas has also asked for more aid to enter through the United Nations and other humanitarian agencies.
The official added that talks for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza should begin on the first day of the truce. This would be in exchange for the release of the remaining hostages.
Ongoing conflict and casualties
The last ceasefire collapsed in March. Since then, Israeli airstrikes have killed over 6,000 people in Gaza, worsening the crisis in the densely populated area of two million residents.
Previous talks have failed, largely due to Hamas’s demand for guarantees that negotiations would end the war. In contrast, Prime Minister Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must continue fighting until Hamas is defeated.
When asked about the latest proposal, Mr Trump said, “We’ll see what happens. We’re going to know over the next 24 hours.”
The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, reports that the death toll has surpassed 57,000. Although the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, it says more than half of those killed were women and children.
