Hamas signals support for Gaza ceasefire agreement

Palestinian resistance group Hamas submitted a "positive response" to a ceasefire proposal jointly brokered by Qatar and Egypt, backed by US President Donald Trump, following multiple rounds of negotiations. According to Palestinian fighters, their response prioritises a complete cessation of the 20-month-long Israeli and US-backed hostilities in Gaza.

A senior Hamas official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development.

If Hamas’s reply is indeed positive, this marks a crucial step in the intensified international push to halt the Israeli military assault on Gaza and secure the release of hostages.

On Friday, families of Israeli hostages staged a protest march in Tel Aviv, calling for the swift return of their loved ones held by Hamas.

The ceasefire initiative, negotiated over several months by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, envisions a 60-day temporary truce, phased release of hostages, expanded humanitarian access, and a framework for a permanent end to the conflict.

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Israeli media reported that Israel has already agreed to the Qatari and US-backed proposal. If Hamas's response aligns with the conditions, the Israeli delegation is expected to depart immediately for Doha to engage in direct negotiations.

The US is reportedly aiming to announce the ceasefire during Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's upcoming visit to Washington, with Donald Trump himself expected to act as a guarantor and make the announcement.

Trump recently stated that Israel has accepted the terms for a 60-day ceasefire, adding that he intends to collaborate with all parties during that period to work toward a lasting resolution. Final proposals are expected to be presented by Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

Israeli media detailed a three-stage plan, beginning with the release of 10 Israeli hostages and the return of the remains of 18 deceased Israeli captives. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners, with Hamas submitting a list of names.

Some of the requested prisoner releases include individuals Israel had previously refused to free, posing a potential obstacle to the agreement.

Israel reportedly wants to maintain the current humanitarian aid delivery mechanism through an American logistics company. However, Hamas is pushing for aid distribution to revert to the United Nations system and is demanding the daily entry of 400 to 600 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies.

Additionally, Hamas insists that Israel must halt all acts of aggression, even if the negotiations for a long-term ceasefire break down.

Whether the US and Israel will agree to these key conditions after previously rejecting them remains to be seen.

Over 57,268 Palestinians have been killed, the majority being women and children, while 135,625 civilians have been injured. According to Palestinian authorities in Gaza, nearly 11,000 bodies are still trapped under rubble.