Hamas Consults Palestinian Groups on Proposed Gaza Ceasefire

In a significant development amid ongoing hostilities, Hamas announced on Friday that it is consulting with various Palestinian factions regarding a proposed ceasefire in Gaza. This announcement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he would soon learn whether Hamas has accepted a 60-day truce proposal aimed at halting the violence that has persisted for over 20 months.

According to Hamas, the ceasefire discussions involve leaders from multiple Palestinian groups and are in response to proposals mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The group's spokesperson stated that a formal response would be delivered to the mediators once these consultations are concluded. The proposal reportedly includes the staggered release of ten living Israeli hostages along with the return of the remains of 18 others, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. Currently, approximately 50 hostages continue to be held in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.

Key demands from Hamas include the resumption of unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza, with assurances that food and medical supplies would be allowed to enter immediately, facilitated by the United Nations and the Red Cross. Additionally, the proposal suggests a phased withdrawal of Israeli military forces from certain areas of Gaza, contingent upon the ceasefire's success.

President Trump expressed optimism regarding the acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, stating, "We expect to know over the next 24 hours whether Hamas will agree to the plan." He emphasized that both he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are eager to see an end to the conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties.

In the wake of these discussions, Israeli military actions continue unabated. Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes targeted areas in Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 Palestinians overnight. The Israeli military has not commented specifically on these strikes but maintains that operations are ongoing to dismantle Hamas's military capabilities.

Benjamin Netanyahu, during a visit to Kibbutz Nir Oz, reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of all remaining Israeli hostages. However, he did not indicate a willingness to cease military operations until the hostages are returned and Hamas's operational capabilities are neutralized. Netanyahu stated, "I feel a deep commitment, first of all, to ensure the return of all of our hostages, all of them. We will bring them all back."

The current situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting that over 57,130 Palestinians have been killed since the onset of the conflict following the initial Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages.

As the world watches closely, the potential for a ceasefire remains uncertain. Observers note that while there is hope for negotiations to resume and for a formal end to the conflict, the complexities of the situation and the historical grievances between the parties involved make a lasting peace elusive. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether a peaceful resolution can be achieved or if the cycle of violence will continue unabated.