Hamas has reportedly given a "positive" response to a 60-day ceasefire proposal, which importantly includes the disarming of its forces. This development comes as President Donald Trump announced that Israel had already agreed to the conditions of the temporary truce. Qatari mediators have instructed senior Hamas commanders based in Doha, including lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya and other key figures, to surrender their personal firearms. This is viewed as a symbolic yet crucial gesture that aligns with Israel's long-standing demand for the complete disarmament and dismantling of Hamas as a prerequisite for ending the Gaza conflict.
The proposed deal, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, outlines a 60-day truce during which certain Israeli hostages would be released in stages. Specifically, Hamas is expected to hand over 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others, starting on the first day of the truce. In return, Israel would release over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including some serving long sentences. The agreement also provides for the creation of a 1-kilometer-deep safe zone on the Palestinian side of the Gaza-Israel border, free of human habitation or economic activity. Furthermore, an unnamed Arab nation would supervise the storage of Hamas's weapons, and Israel would be prevented from excluding any area of Gaza from humanitarian aid distribution.
Hamas's acceptance of this proposal, although accompanied by requests for assurances on some "unpublicized" clauses, signals a willingness to engage in discussions aimed at securing an end to aggressions, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the provision of aid to Gaza. Negotiations on a permanent ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages are slated to begin on the first day of the truce, with the final redeployment of Israeli forces in Gaza also part of these discussions. The deal anticipates that President Trump will personally announce the ceasefire, highlighting the US commitment to ensuring the continuation of negotiations towards a lasting resolution.
While Hamas's response has been termed "positive," some sources suggest it does not immediately signify an end to all hostilities, as the group seeks further assurances. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, have reportedly agreed to the original US proposal, though Netanyahu has also described some of Hamas's suggested amendments as "unacceptable." The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostage-takings, with about 50 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, and fewer than half thought to be alive.
