Hamas Responds to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal in ‘Positive Spirit’ Amid New Hopes for Deal
In a potential breakthrough for Gaza’s war-ravaged population, Hamas confirmed on Friday that it has responded in a “positive spirit” to a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal and is ready to enter negotiations on ending the nearly two-year-long conflict with Israel.
The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump revealed what he called a “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, aimed at halting the fighting, releasing hostages, and opening a path to broader talks to resolve the conflict.
‘Fully Prepared for Talks’
On its official website, Hamas stated: “The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations as well as discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal by the mediators to halt the aggression against our people in Gaza. The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit.”
Hamas added it was “fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations” to discuss the mechanism for implementing the ceasefire framework.
Trump Calls for Hostage Deal
President Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday, welcomed Hamas’ tone when asked about their response. “They said they gave me a positive response? Well, that’s good. There could be a Gaza deal next week,” he said, adding he expects to push for progress when he meets Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Monday.
Trump has repeatedly urged Netanyahu to secure a swift ceasefire and a deal to free all remaining hostages. Families of Israeli hostages marked the U.S. Independence Day by demonstrating outside the American embassy in Tel Aviv, demanding Trump’s help in finalizing the deal.
‘Only You Can Make the Deal’
Demonstrators set up a symbolic Sabbath dinner table with 50 empty chairs to represent those still believed to be alive in Gaza captivity. Holding banners quoting Trump’s Truth Social post — “MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!” — protesters pleaded for action.
“Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal,” said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, whose employee Avinatan Or was abducted from the Nova music festival attack in October 2023.
Israel Yet to Respond Publicly
While Israeli media reports say Israel has received Hamas’ response, Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet commented publicly. He has long insisted that Hamas must be disarmed as part of any final settlement — a condition the militant group has so far rejected.
A Palestinian official aligned with Hamas indicated that sticking points remain, including assurances for humanitarian aid, secure passage through the Rafah crossing into Egypt, and a clear timeline for a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
A Region in Crisis
The Gaza war, now stretching into its 21st month, has left devastating consequences for Palestinians. More than 57,000 people have been killed, the vast majority civilians, according to local health authorities. Millions more have been displaced amid ongoing airstrikes and ground operations.
Over the past 24 hours alone, Israeli attacks killed at least 138 Palestinians, with 15 killed in an overnight airstrike on a tent camp in Khan Younis.
A Small Ray of Hope
Despite the uncertainty, Friday’s signals from Hamas and the United States have renewed cautious hope for a deal that could end the violence — at least temporarily — and allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza’s exhausted population.
Trump and Netanyahu are expected to meet in Washington next week to discuss the plan in detail. Families of hostages and millions of Palestinians displaced by the fighting will be watching closely for signs that this time, after so much loss, a ceasefire might finally hold.
