Hamas has responded positively to a proposed ceasefire deal brokered by the United States, raising cautious hope for a pause in the prolonged conflict in Gaza. The group confirmed it had submitted its official reply to Qatar and Egypt, the mediators of the talks, and expressed readiness to immediately enter negotiations on how to implement the framework.
The proposal outlines a 60-day ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities and facilitating broader negotiations for a permanent end to the war. The deal includes a phased release of Israeli captives and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hostage releases would follow a structured timeline, beginning with the release of eight live captives on the first day, with further exchanges on days seven, 30, 50, and 60.
The plan also stipulates the delivery of humanitarian assistance in volumes similar to those agreed upon in a previous deal earlier this year. The aid would be managed by international and regional organizations to ensure fair distribution across the devastated Gaza Strip.
All Israeli military operations would cease immediately upon implementation of the agreement. Surveillance and air activity over Gaza would also be reduced, with a pause in flights for 10 hours daily—extended to 12 hours on days of prisoner or hostage exchange.
Negotiations for a long-term solution are scheduled to begin on the first day of the truce. These talks would focus on a full exchange of captives and prisoners, Israeli troop withdrawal, future security arrangements, and reconstruction and governance plans for Gaza.
Despite the positive tone of Hamas’s response, there remains significant uncertainty. The Israeli government has not publicly accepted the proposal, though media reports suggest that officials have received Hamas’s reply and are currently reviewing its contents. The lack of a public statement has left many Palestinians in Gaza anxiously waiting for clarity and relief from ongoing violence.
On the ground, intense bombardments and clashes continue near food distribution points, underscoring the urgency of a ceasefire. Many residents remain skeptical, fearing a repeat of previous truces that ended abruptly, often with devastating consequences. A previous two-month truce collapsed when Israeli air strikes resumed, killing hundreds in a single day.
Reports indicate that Israel is seeking additional guarantees before agreeing to the deal. It is reportedly pressing for written assurances from the US that it can resume military operations if Hamas fails to meet certain conditions, including disarmament and the exile of its leaders. A side agreement is said to be under consideration that would allow Israel to determine whether the terms of the ceasefire have been met and take action if necessary.
Israeli leadership has consistently maintained that peace cannot be achieved unless Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza are dismantled. This remains a key obstacle to reaching a comprehensive agreement.
Since the start of the war, the toll on Palestinian lives has been staggering, with tens of thousands killed and many more wounded. The latest proposal, while offering a glimmer of hope, still hinges on fragile negotiations and mutual trust between deeply divided parties.
