Hamas Claims ‘Positive Spirit’ Response to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

The Gaza-based organization declared on Saturday that it had concluded its internal discussions and consultations with fellow Palestinian resistance factions concerning the recent proposal aimed at ceasing the Israeli offensive against Gaza.

Hamas has communicated its response to mediators, expressing a willingness to engage constructively. The organization has indicated its readiness to promptly initiate a new phase of talks focused on the mechanisms for implementing the proposed framework.

The accord proposes a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would execute a gradual release of Israeli captives. In exchange, there would be an escalated influx of humanitarian assistance to the blockaded region.

The proposed exchange plan involves the liberation of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli captives from the designated “List of 58.” The releases are scheduled for days 1, 7, 30, 50, and 60, commencing with the liberation of 8 living captives on the initial day.

Aid is set to be delivered to Gaza at once upon receiving approval from Hamas, mirroring the scale detailed in the January 2025 agreement. The distribution tasks will be managed by organizations such as the United Nations and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

Under the terms of the proposed ceasefire, Israeli military operations are to be suspended once the agreement is activated. The arrangement stipulates a daily pause in military and reconnaissance flights over Gaza for 10 hours, extending to 12 hours on days designated for the exchange of captives and abductees.

Mediators are set to initiate negotiations immediately for a permanent ceasefire agreement. The discussions will address the comprehensive exchange of captives for Palestinian abductees, future security measures, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The Palestinian resistance organization, Islamic Jihad, a known ally of Hamas, announced its endorsement on Saturday of proposed negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Gaza. However, the group stipulated that it requires “guarantees” to ensure that these discussions would culminate in a lasting ceasefire.

Hamas disclosed that it has provided a series of detailed points regarding the mechanism for implementing the mediators’ proposal. The group emphasized the need for additional guarantees to ensure that Israel does not resume aggression following the release of the captives, according to a statement.

Trump announced that the Israeli administration has agreed to the framework of the ceasefire agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet publicly backed the proposal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently facing charges by the International Criminal Court (ICC) concerning alleged war crimes in Gaza, is anticipated to hold a meeting with Trump in Washington on Monday.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 57,268 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and has left 135,625 injured, according to figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry.

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was concluded on January 17, with the truce coming into force on January 19.

Israel has recommenced its military operations in Gaza as of March 18, resulting in the deaths of at least 400 individuals during overnight strikes. This action effectively ends the two-month ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Israel, with support from the United States, has chosen to withdraw from negotiations concerning the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. This phase was intended to bring an end to the conflict and secure the release of all Israeli captives currently held in Gaza.