Palestinian group Hamas said it gave a “positive” response to a US-brokered proposal to the Gaza ceasefire, raising hopes for a breakthrough that could potentially stop Israel’s deadly attacks.
US President Donald Trump previously announced the “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire in the war for nearly 21 months, saying he expects a response from the parties in the coming hours.
Hamas said late Friday that the group had submitted a reply to Qatar and Egypt, which are intermediary in consultations.
“Movement [Hamas] It brought a response to the brother mediator. This was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared with all the severity to quickly enter negotiations for a new round of negotiations on the mechanisms for implementing this framework,” the group’s statement said.
Earlier this week, Trump said Israel had accepted the main terms of the proposed 60-day ceasefire, during which negotiations aim to end the war forever. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet publicly supported the plan.
Netanyahu, who has been appointed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged war crimes in Gaza, is expected to meet Trump in Washington on Monday.
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli government officials had received Hamas’ official responses to the framework of the latest ceasefire proposal and had reviewed its contents.
Details from the proposed transaction
According to a translated copy of the framework shared with Al Jazeera, the deal includes a 60-day ceasefire guaranteed by Trump, thanks to the gradual release of Israeli prisoners and increased humanitarian aid.
The proposed exchange includes the release of 10 living rooms and 18 dead Israeli prisoners from the “List of 58”. Releases occur on days 1, 7, 30, 50, and 60, starting with eight live prisoners on the first day.
![Palestinians who were evacuated to Israeli aviation and ground attacks in the Gaza Strip are standing in a makeshift tent camp area at dusk in Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, July 2, 2025. [Abdel Kareem Hana/AP]](https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/AP25183695042685-1751561754.jpg?w=770&resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
Under the plan, aid will flow into Gaza shortly after Hamas’ approval, in a quantity comparable to the January 2025 contract. Distribution is handled by institutions including the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent Association.
As part of the proposed Gaza ceasefire framework, all Israeli military operations will be suspended once the agreement is in effect, Al Jazeera learned.
The deal includes suspensions on military and surveillance flights through Gaza for 10 hours a day.
Negotiations for a permanent ceasefire begin on the first day under the supervision of a mediator. The consultations will cover the complete exchange of Palestinian prisoners, Israeli forces withdrawal, future security arrangements, and prisoners of war for “after-day” plans in Gaza.
“The Long-awaited Response”
Reported by Gaza city, Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud said Hamas’ response was “a long-awaited and long-awaited” and that anxious besieged Palestinians asked when it would come.
“Whether this response will put an end to the ongoing killings or [Israeli] Drones,” he said.
Heavy fire and gunfire continue near food distribution points, leaving uncertainty about whether serious negotiations will lead to relief.
“This is not clear at the moment,” Mahmoud added. “But at least it’s the first step.”
Speaking early Friday, Trump said he expects clarity from Hamas “over the next 24 hours.”
He said, “I hope it happens, and I look forward to it happening someday next week. I want to take hostages.”
Israel wants a side job with Trump
Despite Hamas’ support, the group reportedly ensured that the proposed ceasefire led to a permanent end to the Israeli war, preventing Tel Aviv from resuming the attack freely.
Details of the proposal are still under negotiation, according to two Israeli authorities cited by the Reuters agency. Meanwhile, Israel is said to be pushing Trump with a written assurance that if the major demands of Hamas disarmament and its leader’s exiles are not met, it can resume operations.
Israeli broadcaster Channel 14 reported earlier this week that it contained a secondary letter from Trump that granted Israel the authority to “renew the fire” if Hamas fails to comply. This document allows Israel to determine whether the conditions are met.
Netanyahu repeatedly argued that Palestinian resistance groups in Gaza must be dismantled as a prerequisite for peace.
The previous two months of ceasefire ended when Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18th, leading to what UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called “the holiest stage of cruel war.” More than 6,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel breached the ceasefire.
Overall, since October 7, 2023, the Israeli military has killed at least 57,268 Palestinians and injured more than 130,000.
