Hamas has submitted a constructive and positive response to a recently updated ceasefire proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt, raising hopes for a potential end to nearly two years of devastating Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

According to a Palestinian official involved in the negotiations, the movement’s reply “should help and facilitate reaching a deal,” marking a rare and critical opening in a conflict that has inflicted catastrophic human and material losses on Gaza.

The ceasefire proposal—described by U.S. President Donald Trump as a “final offer”—draws from the so-called Witkoff Plan and is being coordinated through Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. administration. It lays out a 60-day truce with specific commitments by both sides aimed at halting hostilities and opening the door to longer-term political arrangements.

According to the proposed framework, the first day of the truce would see Hamas release eight live Israeli captives. Subsequent releases, including the remains of 18 deceased individuals, would follow on days 50 and 60. In parallel, Israel would begin phased military withdrawals from northern and southern Gaza, under the supervision of the United Nations and the Red Crescent. Humanitarian aid—urgently needed after months of siege—would begin flowing immediately.

In addition to these initial steps, the proposal outlines a roadmap for further negotiations starting on day one of the truce. These talks would focus on critical issues such as a comprehensive prisoner exchange, a permanent ceasefire, the future governance and security structure of Gaza, and binding international guarantees to ensure compliance and accountability.

Hamas emphasized that its response reflects internal consultations and coordination with other Palestinian factions, and is rooted in three central demands: an end to Israeli aggression, a complete military withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted humanitarian access. These, Hamas argues, are non-negotiable prerequisites for justice, relief, and the basic dignity of a besieged and traumatized population.

The group has reiterated its readiness to engage in immediate, serious discussions on how to implement the proposal, stressing that it is negotiating in good faith and in alignment with Palestinian national interests.

While Hamas has made its position clear, Israel’s stance remains uncertain. Although Israeli officials have reportedly signaled conditional willingness to resume dialogue beyond the initial truce period, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to make a public statement. His silence comes amid increasing international criticism of Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza and its refusal to commit to a full ceasefire.

A major sticking point remains Israel’s demand for the disarmament of Hamas—something Palestinian officials describe as an unrealistic expectation under occupation and siege. For its part, Hamas insists that any negotiation must address the root causes of the conflict and ensure protections for the Palestinian people.

President Trump, speaking on Friday, confirmed that the U.S. is awaiting final responses and expressed hope that the ceasefire will be implemented. “We hope it’s going to happen. We want to get the hostages out,” he said. Trump is expected to meet with Netanyahu in Washington on Monday, a meeting that could determine whether the Israeli leadership will endorse the deal or prolong the conflict.

As Gaza continues to endure unspeakable destruction—with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and humanitarian needs reaching critical levels—Hamas’s response offers a potential path forward. Whether this opening will lead to a sustained ceasefire and, ultimately, a just political resolution remains in the hands of regional and international actors. (ILKHA)