Hamas Consults Palestinian Factions on Ceasefire Proposal as Host

Hamas has announced it is currently consulting with other Palestinian factions regarding a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt and backed by the United States. The group will issue a formal response after concluding internal discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated he expects a response from Hamas within 24 hours. He previously indicated that Israel had accepted the terms for a 60-day ceasefire, during which negotiations would continue to resolve the ongoing 20-month conflict. Despite this, Israeli military operations persist across the Gaza Strip. 

Recent airstrikes on tents sheltering displaced individuals in Khan Younis resulted in at least 15 fatalities, including minors, according to local medical sources.

The proposed agreement reportedly includes the phased release of 10 live Israeli hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Currently, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. 

One of Hamas's primary conditions is the restoration of unrestricted humanitarian aid, with provisions for immediate assistance through the UN and Red Cross, as well as a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Crucially, Hamas demands assurances that Israeli military operations will not resume after the 60-day truce.

Public pressure is mounting in Israel, with hostage families urging their government to finalize the deal. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv appealed directly to President Trump, calling for decisive action. Families of victims and released hostages emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive agreement to secure the remaining captives' release and promote long-term stability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to securing the release of all hostages but has not pledged to end the military campaign. He maintains that hostilities will only cease once all captives are returned and Hamas’s capabilities are dismantled.

The conflict began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack that killed approximately 1,200 individuals and abducted 251. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that over 57,000 people have died as a result of Israel's military response.

Source: Al Jazeera, BBC News, Reuters.