ViolenceJuly 5, 2025 — Gaza City — In a potentially pivotal development, Hamas has announced a “positive response” to the latest ceasefire proposal aimed at halting the nearly 21-month-long war in Gaza. The proposal, brokered by the United States with mediation from Egypt and Qatar, outlines a 60-day truce that includes the release of hostages, increased humanitarian aid, and phased Israeli military withdrawal.According to Hamas, internal consultations with Palestinian factions have concluded, and the group is now “fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations” to implement the framework. The plan reportedly includes the release of 10 living and 18 deceased Israeli hostages, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and guarantees for unrestricted aid delivery into Gaza.Despite Hamas’s endorsement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly confirmed acceptance of the deal. Netanyahu, who is expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington next week, has reiterated that Hamas must be dismantled before any permanent ceasefire can be considered.Meanwhile, violence continues on the ground. Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 138 Palestinians in 24 hours, including civilians sheltering in tents in Khan Younis. Humanitarian agencies warn that the situation remains dire, with over 57,000 Palestinians killed since the war began in October 2023.While the ceasefire proposal marks the closest both sides have come to a truce in months, key sticking points remain, including the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal and guarantees that hostilities will not resume after the 60-day period.This development has sparked cautious optimism among international observers, though the path to peace remains fraught with uncertainty.
