Hamas signals readiness for ceasefire talks as new proposal gains momentum

New Delhi, July 05: Hamas announced that it had submitted a positive response to a new 60-day ceasefire proposal, raising hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, reports CNN. The move comes after months of stalled negotiations and follows Israel’s earlier acceptance of the US-backed framework.

The latest proposal, presented by Qatar with support from the Trump administration, outlines a phased cessation of hostilities and includes provisions for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The plan reportedly calls for the release of 10 hostages, eight living and two deceased, on the first day of the truce, in exchange for an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners.

Subsequent releases would follow in four phases, during which Israel would also withdraw from parts of northern Gaza.

Both sides are now expected to enter final proximity talks, with negotiators shuttling messages between representatives in the same location. A key issue under discussion is the timeline and scope of Israeli military withdrawal during the truce reports CNN.

In addition, the proposal commits Israel to facilitating a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza through established international channels, rather than the Israeli-controlled Gaza.

Humanitarian Foundation, which had drawn criticism. Qatar, which has long served as a mediator, re-engaged both parties in an attempt to bridge remaining gaps.

The original version of the ceasefire framework had collapsed in March after Hamas rejected it for lacking assurances about a permanent end to hostilities. The revised proposal appears to meet more of Hamas's demands, offering a clearer path toward a broader resolution if negotiations proceed as planned, reports CNN.