Hamas Responds Positively to Ceasefire Proposal, Negotiations Set to Begin

On July 4, 2025, Hamas announced that it had submitted a 'positive response' to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire with Israel, marking a significant potential turning point in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This development comes after months of failed attempts to broker peace amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the region.

The group stated in a public announcement, "Hamas has submitted a positive response to the mediators, and the movement is fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing this framework." This statement indicates Hamas's readiness to engage in discussions that could pave the way for a more permanent cessation of hostilities.

Previously, Israel had accepted the U.S.-sponsored ceasefire framework, setting the stage for both parties to enter detailed negotiations. Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American mediator involved in the talks, expressed optimism on social media, commenting, "We are now much closer to ending this cursed war," and noted that Hamas had proposed amendments to the original terms that, in his view, would not obstruct reaching a ceasefire agreement within the upcoming week.

An Israeli official familiar with the negotiations confirmed that Israel had anticipated a favorable response from Hamas, highlighting that minor changes to the proposal's wording were not expected to hinder the ceasefire efforts. The proposal includes provisions for the release of hostages held by Hamas, specifying that 10 living hostages and 18 deceased individuals would be released during the ceasefire period. The initial day of the ceasefire would see Hamas release eight hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees, followed by the release of additional hostages on designated later dates.

The urgency for a ceasefire has intensified following a recent 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where health officials reported over 80 Palestinian deaths on July 3 due to intensified Israeli airstrikes. In light of these developments, Qatar has been instrumental in facilitating indirect talks between the parties, advocating for a mutual agreement that acknowledges both humanitarian needs and security concerns.

The new ceasefire proposal also emphasizes U.S. commitment to ensuring Israel remains engaged in negotiations for a more permanent truce, which could extend beyond the initial 60-day period. U.S. President Donald Trump has been vocally supportive of the ceasefire, urging Hamas to accept the proposal and warning that the situation will only deteriorate if they refuse.

Despite the positive momentum, challenges remain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while expressing a willingness to explore compromises, has reiterated that Israel's objectives include dismantling Hamas's military capabilities. This stance has raised concerns among hardline factions within the Israeli government, who may oppose any ceasefire agreement.

In summary, while the positive response from Hamas signals a potential path towards peace, the intricate dynamics of international diplomacy, regional politics, and internal pressures on both sides present significant hurdles to a lasting resolution. The forthcoming negotiations will be critical in determining the feasibility of a comprehensive ceasefire and the stability of the region in the months ahead.