Hamas’s Positive Ceasefire Response Paves Way for Potential Gaza Deal

Hopes for a ceasefire in Gaza have significantly increased after Hamas announced on Friday its “positive response” to a proposed 60-day truce with Israel. This pivotal development opens a clear path toward de-escalation after months of stalled negotiations.

Hamas stated it has “submitted a positive response to the mediators” and is “fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing this framework.” Israel had previously accepted the US-sponsored proposal earlier in the week, setting the stage for both sides to engage in final, detailed discussions aimed at formally reaching an agreement.

A Palestinian-American interlocutor, Bishara Bahbah, who has been in direct discussions with Hamas, expressed optimism on social media, suggesting that amendments introduced by Hamas are unlikely to impede a ceasefire deal within the coming week. An Israeli source corroborated this, indicating that expected minor rewording of points in the proposal were not anticipated to derail the efforts.

The proposed framework outlines the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages during the 60-day ceasefire. The initial phase would see Hamas release eight living hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners, followed by an Israeli withdrawal from parts of northern Gaza and the commencement of negotiations for a permanent cessation of hostilities. Crucially, the proposal includes stronger US assurances to keep Israel at the negotiating table for a lasting peace, and commits Israel to increasing humanitarian aid flow into Gaza through established channels.

The push for a ceasefire intensified following recent regional tensions. US President Donald Trump, who publicly urged Hamas to accept the deal, played a significant role in advancing the proposal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to convene his full cabinet on Saturday night to discuss the proposal before traveling to Washington this weekend for a meeting with President Trump on Monday. Despite potential opposition from far-right factions within his government, other Israeli political parties have signaled strong support for a ceasefire.

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