Hamas Ceasefire: Gaza Talks ‘Immediately
Hamas Signals Willingness to Negotiate US-Backed Ceasefire, as Gaza Conflict Nears 21 Months
GAZA CITY – Hamas has announced its readiness to “immediately” begin negotiations on a US-sponsored ceasefire proposal, prompting Israel to convene its security cabinet to determine its response. The advancement comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for talks with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, amidst a renewed push to end the nearly 21-month conflict in Gaza.
According to Palestinian sources close to the discussions, the proposal includes a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. However, Hamas is also seeking guarantees regarding Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, assurances against a resumption of hostilities during negotiations, and the reinstatement of the UN-led aid distribution system.
Islamic jihad, a key Hamas ally, voiced support for ceasefire talks but stressed the need for guarantees that Israel “will not resume its aggression” following the release of hostages.
President Trump,when briefed on Hamas’s response,stated,”That’s good… We have to get it over with. We have to do something about Gaza.”
The current conflict erupted following Hamas’s october 2023 attack on Israel, triggering a large-scale Israeli offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing the return of all hostages. Of the 251 hostages initially taken, 49 remain in Gaza, with the israeli military confirming 27 are presumed dead. Previous ceasefires, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, resulted in temporary pauses in fighting and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
Efforts to secure a lasting truce have repeatedly stalled, primarily due to Israel’s reluctance to provide guarantees of a permanent ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s over two million residents. While Israel recently eased restrictions on aid deliveries, the introduction of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) – backed by the US and Israel – to manage food distribution has been met with criticism. UN agencies and major aid organizations have refused to cooperate with the GHF, citing concerns it serves Israeli military objectives.
Reports of Israeli fire on individuals awaiting rations at GHF distribution points are frequent, with the UN reporting over 500 deaths among those seeking aid.On Saturday, the GHF reported that two of its US staff were wounded in a grenade attack on an aid center in Khan Yunis, attributing the incident to “two assailants.”