Hamas has officially submitted its response to a U.S.-backed Gaza ceasefire proposal, expressing willingness to release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The proposal, brokered by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, includes key terms such as a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian aid access.
In a statement released on Saturday, Hamas confirmed it had finalized its response following internal consultations and emphasized that the deal aims to “achieve a lasting ceasefire, ensure the flow of aid, and facilitate a comprehensive withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.”
While the statement did not indicate any requested amendments, a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations told Reuters that Hamas had suggested minor modifications but generally responded positively.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has not issued a formal comment. However, Israeli media earlier reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the families of Israeli hostages that Israel had accepted the terms outlined by Witkoff. No official confirmation followed.
Efforts to broker a ceasefire have repeatedly stalled due to deep divisions between the two sides. Israel continues to demand the full disarmament and dismantling of Hamas, as well as the unconditional return of all 58 hostages still believed to be in Gaza. Hamas, in turn, insists on an end to Israeli military operations and a full troop withdrawal from the enclave.
The conflict, which reignited after Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023—resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli data—has escalated into one of the region’s deadliest wars. Gaza health authorities report that over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s subsequent military campaign, which has devastated the region’s infrastructure and civilian life.
As mediators work to bridge remaining gaps, global pressure continues to mount for a lasting solution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Leave a Reply