Hamas in Talks with Palestinian Factions on Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

 Hamas in Talks with Palestinian Factions on Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas has announced that it is holding discussions with other Palestinian groups before issuing a formal response to the latest Gaza ceasefire and hostage release proposal backed by the United States.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated Friday morning that he expected to hear from Hamas within 24 hours regarding the proposal.

Earlier in the week, Trump revealed that Israel had agreed to the terms required for a 60-day pause in fighting, during which both parties would aim to negotiate an end to the 20-month conflict.

Despite the diplomatic developments, Israeli forces continue to carry out operations across the Gaza Strip. On Friday morning, journalists in the region reported loud explosions and gunfire as Israeli helicopters and artillery hit areas in southern Khan Younis.

According to staff at Nasser Hospital, at least 15 Palestinians died overnight in airstrikes targeting tents

housing displaced civilians in Khan Younis.

While the Israeli military has yet to comment on those specific strikes, it stated its ongoing operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military network.

In a statement issued early Friday, Hamas confirmed it had received a ceasefire proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators and was currently consulting with leaders of other Palestinian movements. It said a final decision would be relayed to the mediators once discussions are complete.

The proposed agreement reportedly outlines a phased exchange of 10 living Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others, in return for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody.

An estimated 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 presumed to be alive.

Among Hamas’s main demands is the unrestricted flow of food, medical aid, and supplies into Gaza. The plan is believed to guarantee the immediate delivery of sufficient humanitarian aid, with oversight from the United Nations and the Red Cross.

It also reportedly includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from certain areas of Gaza and a commitment that Israeli military operations would not resume once the 60-day truce ends.

Importantly, the agreement suggests that negotiations toward a permanent end to the conflict and the release of the remaining hostages would begin on the first day of the truce.

Trump, speaking to reporters on Friday, reiterated that a response from Hamas was expected within 24 hours. If positive, it could lead to renewed indirect talks before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington next week.

Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, just 60 kilometers (40 miles) from Gaza, families of hostages and supporters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy branch, urging President Trump to secure a deal that would bring their loved ones home.

On the nearby coast, activists rolled out a massive banner bearing the U.S. flag and the slogan "Liberty for All."

Ruby Chen, father of Israeli-American soldier Itay Chen—who was killed during the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack and whose body was taken to Gaza—addressed the crowd:

“I ask Prime Minister Netanyahu to return from Washington with an agreement that ensures the return of every hostage,” he said. “There needs to be a clear and final agreement between Israel and Hamas.”

Also speaking was Keith Siegel, a dual Israeli-American citizen who was freed in February after being held in Gaza for 484 days.

“Several of my friends from Kibbutz Kfar Aza are still in captivity,” he said. “Only a comprehensive deal will bring them home and help pave the way for a peaceful future in the Middle East.”

For many in Israel, the primary concern remains the fate of the hostages. There is growing fear over what may happen to them if ceasefire efforts fail and the military intensifies its campaign.

During a Thursday visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, a community near the Gaza border where 76 residents were taken hostage last October, Netanyahu reaffirmed his commitment:

“I feel a deep responsibility to return all of our hostages,” he said. “We will get them all back.”

However, the Prime Minister did not promise to end the war, maintaining that military operations will continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas’s control is eliminated.

The ongoing war began after a large-scale Hamas assault on 7 October 2023, which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage.

Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that at least 57,130 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks.