Hamas Expresses Conditional Support for Proposed Ceasefire

The Hamas organization has indicated a willingness to accept a proposed ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant development in ongoing tensions in the region. According to statements released via their official Telegram channel, Hamas has communicated a positive response to mediators, suggesting readiness to engage in indirect negotiations aimed at implementing this ceasefire proposal.

The initiative under consideration includes a 60-day cessation of hostilities paired with the release of hostages and prisoners. However, Hamas has not disclosed specific terms or conditions accompanying this agreement. A source within the organization, who preferred to remain anonymous, noted that their response to the mediators--comprising representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States--includes requests for further clarifications.

Key issues still require resolution, including the future of the ceasefire beyond the initial 60-day period, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid into the besieged coastal enclave.

The Islamic Jihad, an allied group with Hamas, has expressed support for the ceasefire discussions but has also put forth its own demands. A spokesperson stated that they seek guarantees to ensure that Israel does not resume military actions after the release of hostages.

Recent mediation efforts have proposed a 60-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions for this ceasefire, as confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump. He suggested that a resolution regarding Gaza could be reached as early as next week.

Details about the specific conditions of the proposed deal remain unclear. However, various media sources have reported that the proposal includes the release of ten of the remaining twenty living hostages, as well as the return of the bodies of eighteen deceased captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities.

In past negotiations, efforts to establish ceasefires have faltered due to diverging expectations between Israel and Hamas. The current ceasefire proposal aims to facilitate discussions that could lead to a more permanent resolution to the conflict.

Hamas has emphasized the importance of a comprehensive agreement that would effectively conclude the hostilities. Meanwhile, Israel maintains that it reserves the right to conduct further military operations after the 60-day period should negotiations fail to yield results.

Ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington, a group of former high-ranking Israeli military officials has called for an end to the conflict. In an open letter, the Commanders for Israel's Security urged President Trump to persuade Netanyahu to halt military operations. They argued that continuing the war jeopardizes the lives of hostages and Israeli soldiers, while prolonging the suffering of Palestinians.

The letter, signed by over 550 former military, police, and intelligence officers, asserts that the Israeli armed forces have already achieved their dual objectives of dismantling Hamas' governance and military capabilities. They contend that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel.