Hamas confirms support for Gaza ceasefire plan

According to the reports on Saturday (5 July), Hamas has confirmed that it has delivered a “positive response” to mediators regarding a new ceasefire and hostage release proposal in Gaza, which was put forward by the United States. The plan involves a 60-day ceasefire along with the release of 10 live hostages and the remains of 18 individuals. The response was conveyed through Qatari mediators, who are among the key international actors involved in the negotiation process.

In an official statement released on July 3, Hamas stated that it had concluded internal consultations with Palestinian factions and was now prepared to engage with the proposed agreement. The group emphasized its willingness to enter “immediately” into a new round of negotiations to finalize the mechanisms for implementing the plan. This marks a significant development after months of stalled talks and ongoing violence in the region.

Israeli officials, speaking anonymously to Ynet, confirmed that they had received the response via mediators and were reviewing its contents. While no official Israeli statement has been made, the reported readiness of both parties to negotiate signals a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. Past efforts have faltered due to disagreements over the terms and sequencing of the ceasefire and hostage exchanges.

Previously, on March 18, Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza after Hamas declined a U.S. ceasefire extension plan that had expired on March 1. More recently, on June 30, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated that Cairo and other regional players were continuing their efforts to mediate a 60-day truce. U.S. President Donald Trump also weighed in on July 1, asserting that Israel had accepted the necessary terms for finalizing the ceasefire agreement.

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Hamas offers positive nod to ceasefire plan with hope for peace and hostage release