On Friday, Hamas announced that it had “submitted a positive response” to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza. This development opens the door for a potential agreement to halt the ongoing conflict that has persisted despite months of unsuccessful negotiations. In a statement, Hamas indicated that the movement is "fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing this framework."
Previously, Israel had accepted the US-sponsored framework, which sets the stage for both parties to enter final, detailed negotiations before an official ceasefire agreement is established. Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American intermediary engaged in direct discussions with Hamas, expressed optimism on social media, stating, “We are now much closer to ending this cursed war.” He noted that Hamas had proposed “amendments it deemed necessary” but remained hopeful that these changes would not obstruct the path to a ceasefire agreement within the coming week.
According to an Israeli source familiar with the situation, Israel anticipated a favorable response from Hamas, including minor modifications to the proposal's language. The source conveyed confidence that these adjustments would not derail the ceasefire efforts. The current proposal outlines provisions for the release of 10 living hostages and 18 deceased individuals during the ceasefire. On the first day of the ceasefire, Hamas is expected to release eight living hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Following this initial exchange, Israel will withdraw from certain areas in northern Gaza, paving the way for negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire. Notably, the release of hostages is to occur without any ceremonies or public displays from Hamas. The plan includes scheduled releases for the remaining hostages on four subsequent dates.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire have intensified following a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran last month. Qatar, acting as a key mediator, promptly initiated a new round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, aiming to find a "middle ground" based on previous proposals. The latest proposal offers stronger assurances regarding the US’s commitment to keeping Israel engaged in negotiations for a permanent ceasefire deal, whether during or after the 60-day truce.
Moreover, the proposal commits Israel to facilitate a surge of aid into Gaza through established humanitarian channels, as opposed to the controversial Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. US President Donald Trump has actively advocated for a ceasefire, declaring on Tuesday that Israel had "agreed to the necessary conditions" for finalizing a deal for a 60-day cessation of hostilities. In a post on Truth Social, Trump urged Hamas to accept the proposal, emphasizing that the situation would only worsen if they did not.
Israel accepted the new proposal on Tuesday while Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was in Washington, DC, meeting with senior Trump administration officials, including US special envoy Steve Witkoff. The following day, Hamas announced it was discussing the proposal during “national consultations,” expressing its intention to reach an agreement that would ensure “an end to the aggression, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and urgent relief for our people in the Gaza Strip.”
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, Israel and Hamas are expected to engage in proximity talks soon, where officials from both sides will remain in the same location, facilitating the rapid exchange of messages to expedite the negotiation process. A critical issue remains the timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces in Gaza during the ceasefire.
Qatar submitted the new ceasefire proposal, backed by the Trump administration, to both Hamas and Israel this week, following extensive behind-the-scenes efforts led by Witkoff. The new proposal seeks to address previous shortcomings by providing stronger US assurances that the ceasefire would extend beyond 60 days, even if a comprehensive agreement is not finalized.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that Israel has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians in Gaza since the onset of the war. As negotiators strive to advance the latest ceasefire proposal, Israel has intensified its bombardment of Gaza, resulting in numerous casualties. Historically, Israel has resisted agreeing to a ceasefire that includes a comprehensive end to the war, with Netanyahu emphasizing the need to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities and governance.
However, following the recent conflict with Iran, Netanyahu has shown a renewed willingness to compromise. He stated on Sunday that “many opportunities have opened up” since Israel's military operations in Iran, including the potential for bringing home the remaining hostages held in Gaza. This marked a significant shift in Netanyahu's priorities, as he has now clearly indicated a focus on hostages over the absolute defeat of Hamas.
Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Washington this weekend and meet with Trump at the White House on Monday. Before his departure, he will convene his full cabinet on Saturday night to deliberate on the proposal. Despite pushback from far-right members of Israel’s government who may attempt to undermine the deal, other political factions have expressed their support for a ceasefire.
