Hamas Ceasefire Deal: Group Responds Positively, Gaza Truce Likely Soon
Hamas ceasefire deal negotiations have taken a significant turn as the Palestinian group submitted a "positive response" to a US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel in Gaza. This crucial development could mark a major breakthrough after several months of failed truce efforts between the two sides.
In a statement released on Friday, Hamas confirmed, “The movement has submitted a positive response to the mediators and is fully prepared to enter into a new round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing this framework.” This came after Israel had already agreed to the US-sponsored deal, indicating that both parties may now be ready to move toward final, detailed negotiations.
Hope for Ceasefire Amid Conflict
The Hamas ceasefire deal response has been widely welcomed. Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American interlocutor in direct discussions with Hamas, praised the move on Facebook, saying:
“We are now much closer to ending this cursed war.”
Bahbah noted that while Hamas made some amendments to the deal, those changes are not expected to derail progress. An Israeli official familiar with the matter confirmed that the rewording of certain points was anticipated and should not obstruct the ceasefire’s path.
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism, stating, “We have to get it over with... We have to do something about Gaza.” Trump emphasized that a deal could be finalized next week, and warned Hamas to accept the terms before it's too late.
Key Provisions of the Hamas Ceasefire Deal
Under the Hamas ceasefire deal, 10 out of the 50 remaining Israeli hostages are to be released—eight alive and 18 deceased—over the 60-day truce. On the first day, eight living hostages will be freed in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. Following this, Israel will withdraw from parts of northern Gaza, and negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire will begin.
The deal mandates that no public celebrations or Hamas ceremonies accompany hostage releases, and the rest of the hostages would be freed on four additional dates within the truce period.
Role of Global Mediation and Pressure
Qatar and Egypt played crucial roles in facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. These countries helped shape the current deal by pushing both sides to find middle ground based on past proposals. The new proposal includes stronger US assurances that Israel will stay at the negotiation table even after the 60-day truce.
Importantly, it commits Israel to allowing a large-scale inflow of aid into Gaza through traditional humanitarian channels, instead of the controversial Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
President Trump, posting on Truth Social, warned:
“I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better -- IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”
He thanked Qatar and Egypt for their key diplomatic roles in moving the ceasefire forward.
Human Cost and Growing Political Will
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. While negotiators tried to finalize the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes continued, claiming scores of additional lives.
Until now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resisted any deal that included a comprehensive end to the war, citing goals of eliminating Hamas’ military capabilities. However, after recent military operations against Iran, Netanyahu has signaled a new willingness to compromise, stating that:
“Many opportunities have opened up,” especially regarding the return of hostages.
Political Challenges and Upcoming Meeting
Despite the positive movement toward a Hamas ceasefire deal, Netanyahu faces domestic political challenges. Far-right factions within his coalition oppose any truce, but centrist and left-leaning parties have made clear they will support the agreement.
Netanyahu is scheduled to travel to Washington this weekend and meet President Trump at the White House on Monday. Before departing, he will convene his full cabinet Saturday night to finalize the Israeli position on the ceasefire.
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