Hamas is currently in consultations with various Palestinian entities regarding a new ceasefire proposal put forth by the US and regional mediators. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the ongoing conflict in Gaza.**
Hamas Consults Other Palestinian Groups on Potential Gaza Ceasefire Initiative**
Hamas Consults Other Palestinian Groups on Potential Gaza Ceasefire Initiative**
Discussions among Palestinian factions underway as a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange deal is proposed.**
Hamas has announced it is in discussions with other Palestinian factions regarding a proposed ceasefire and hostage exchange plan, as put forth by the United States and regional mediators, including Qatar and Egypt. The group's formal response is eagerly anticipated after consultations with various leaders.
President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Friday, stating that he expected to receive clarity on whether Hamas would accept the proposal within 24 hours. Reports indicate that Israel has already indicated its agreement to the conditions necessary for a 60-day ceasefire, aimed at drawing an end to the nearly two-year-long conflict.
In the ongoing violence, the Israeli military has continued to conduct airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, with reports of intense activity particularly in southern areas such as Khan Younis. Local health sources reported that at least 15 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes targeting displaced persons.
Hamas stated in a press release that discussions regarding the ceasefire proposal are ongoing, indicating that a final decision will be communicated to mediators upon conclusion of the talks. The proposal reportedly includes a staged release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as well as a significant increase in humanitarian aid facilitated by international organizations.
Central to Hamas's demands is the immediate resumption of vital food and medical aid to the people of Gaza and assurances that military operations from Israel will not resume once the ceasefire is enacted. It is expected that negotiations would promptly begin to address both the hostages and broader issues of the conflict from the first day of the ceasefire.
As the situation unfolds, both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have underscored the urgency of ending the conflict, with Netanyahu also stressing his commitment to secure the release of all remaining Israeli hostages and eliminate Hamas's operational capabilities. The backdrop remains a devastating toll on Gaza, where the health ministry reports that over 57,130 people have been killed since the outset of the conflict in response to a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
