CAIRO (AP) — In a significant development, Hamas expressed its willingness on Wednesday to consider a ceasefire agreement with Israel. However, the group has not yet accepted a U.S.-backed proposal announced by President Donald Trump, maintaining its stance that any agreement must lead to a complete cessation of the war in Gaza. The announcement follows Trump’s statement on Tuesday that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire, urging Hamas to accept the terms before conditions deteriorate further.
The U.S. President has been intensifying efforts to mediate a ceasefire and hostage agreement, aiming to end the ongoing conflict. Trump emphasized that the proposed 60-day period would be utilized to work towards ending the war, a condition Israel has rejected unless Hamas is defeated. He suggested that a deal could be finalized as early as next week. However, Hamas’ insistence on ending the war as part of any agreement raises doubts about the feasibility of the proposed ceasefire.
Hamas’ Position and Negotiations
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated that the militant group is “ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement.” He reiterated that Hamas is “ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war.” A Hamas delegation is scheduled to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.
Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have repeatedly stalled over the war’s conclusion as part of any deal. Hamas has proposed freeing the remaining 50 hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the conflict. Conversely, Israel demands that Hamas surrender, disarm, and exile itself, terms that Hamas has consistently refused.
Details of the Proposed Ceasefire
An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the latest proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid to the territory. The mediators and the U.S. would provide assurances regarding discussions on ending the war, although Israel has not committed to this as part of the current proposal. The specifics of hostage releases remain unclear, but previous proposals suggested releasing about ten hostages.
Israel has not publicly commented on Trump’s announcement. Meanwhile, Trump is set to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, following discussions between senior Netanyahu adviser Ron Dermer and top U.S. officials concerning Gaza, Iran, and other issues.
Historical Context and Humanitarian Impact
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, has resulted in over 56,000 deaths in the Palestinian territory. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than half of the casualties are women and children. The conflict has devastated Gaza, displacing over 90% of its 2.3 million residents, many of whom have been forced to relocate multiple times. The humanitarian crisis has left hundreds of thousands facing hunger.
“I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” Trump stated on social media.
Trump’s warning may be met with skepticism by Hamas, which has previously resisted dramatic ultimatums aimed at securing longer pauses in fighting. Despite this, Trump perceives the current moment as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict.
Looking Forward
The international community watches closely as negotiations unfold. The potential ceasefire could provide a much-needed respite for Gaza’s beleaguered population and pave the way for more comprehensive peace talks. However, the persistent demands and conditions from both sides underscore the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region.
As the situation evolves, the world awaits further developments that could either lead to a breakthrough or prolong the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.
Bassem Mroue reported from Beirut. Josef Federman contributed to this report from Jerusalem. Follow the AP’s war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
