In a development that may define the course of the nearly 21-month-long war in Gaza, Hamas has expressed readiness to enter into a ceasefire with Israel but remains adamant that any agreement must ensure a complete end to hostilities. The response comes a day after US President Donald Trump declared Israel's willingness to accept a 60-day ceasefire and pressed Hamas to do the same.
Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated the group was “ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement”, but stressed that “any initiative must clearly lead to the complete end to the war”.
Trump, who has repeatedly sought to bring about a ceasefire through pressure and diplomatic channels, said on Tuesday that the proposed pause would be a stepping stone to permanently halting the war. “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal, because it will not get better — it will only get worse,” he warned in a social media post.
The White House believes a deal could be reached as early as next week. However, Hamas’ insistence on a total Israeli withdrawal and the lifting of all military operations may again stall progress.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the offer involves a 60-day truce, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a significant boost in humanitarian aid. However, Israel has refrained from committing to an end-of-war clause.
The militant group has linked the release of the remaining 50 hostages, many of whom are feared dead, to Israel’s full exit from Gaza and a cessation of the offensive. Israel, on the other hand, maintains that the war can only end with Hamas' surrender, disarmament, and exile.
Also read: Israel has agreed to ceasefire, says Trump; warns Hamas to comply
Hamas representatives are scheduled to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to review the American-backed proposal. The talks will be closely monitored, as previous efforts have repeatedly collapsed over irreconcilable terms between the two parties.
President Trump is expected to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday for talks on Gaza and wider regional security. The move follows last week’s Washington visit by Netanyahu adviser Ron Dermer.
The humanitarian cost of the conflict continues to mount. More than 56,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which says over half the dead are women and children. Since the conflict erupted on 7 October 2023 with a surprise attack on Israel by Hamas that killed 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage, the war has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins and 90 per cent of its 2.3 million population displaced.
Trump considers the present opportunity a critical juncture in the prolonged conflict. Whether the opposing sides can bridge their fundamental differences remains to be seen.
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