Hamas Responds Positively to US-Brokered Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas announced on Friday that it had responded “in a positive spirit” to a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire deal and is ready to negotiate its implementation. The proposal, introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump, calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages as a first step toward ending the nearly 21-month-long Israel-Hamas war.

Hamas confirmed via its official website that internal and factional consultations had concluded, and its formal response was delivered to mediators, including Egypt and Qatar. A Palestinian official noted, however, that humanitarian aid, the Rafah crossing, and the timetable for Israeli troop withdrawal remain unresolved issues.

Trump stated Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment publicly. Israeli media reported that officials are reviewing Hamas' response. An Egyptian source said Hamas’ reply showed “positive signs” but still included demands needing further work.

While diplomatic efforts continue, violence escalated. Israeli airstrikes killed at least 138 Palestinians in the past 24 hours, including 15 people in a tent encampment near Khan Younis. The Israeli military reported targeting 100 Hamas-related sites and eliminating militants.

In Tel Aviv, hostage families marked U.S. Independence Day by urging Trump to “make the deal.” A symbolic dinner table with 50 empty chairs represented those still held in Gaza. One protester, whose employee was taken during the October 7, 2023, Nova festival attack, called for a “beautiful hostage deal.” Hamas still holds around 20 hostages believed to be alive.

According to officials, the proposal includes releasing 10 hostages and returning 18 bodies during the truce. The war has claimed over 57,000 Palestinian lives and displaced much of Gaza’s population, intensifying global calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.