Hamas Confirms Response To Latest Gaza Ceasefire Proposal

Hamas announced on Thursday that it has submitted its response to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, following more than two weeks of indirect negotiations in Qatar that have yet to produce a truce.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the Palestinian militant group said it just submitted its response and that of the Palestinian factions to the ceasefire proposal to the mediators.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed receipt of the response, noting: “It is currently being evaluated.”

According to a Palestinian source involved in the Doha talks, Hamas’s reply includes suggested changes to clauses related to aid entry, detailed maps showing areas from which the Israeli military should withdraw, and demands for guarantees ensuring a permanent end to the conflict.

Mediated indirect talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators have been ongoing in Doha, aiming to reach an agreement on a truce that would also secure the release of Israeli hostages. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas’s 2023 attack, 49 remain captive in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 27 of them are deceased.

Despite weeks of discussions, no breakthrough has been reached. Both sides accuse each other of inflexibility on critical demands. Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’s military and governing infrastructure, a non-negotiable condition. Meanwhile, Hamas demands binding assurances of a lasting ceasefire, full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and unhindered humanitarian aid flow.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of blocking progress. Speaking on Wednesday, he said, “Israel has agreed to the Qatari proposal and the updated (US special envoy Steve) Witkoff proposal, it is Hamas that is refusing.”

He added that Israeli negotiators remain in Doha and discussions continue.

The United States announced that special envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Europe this week to hold further talks on a potential ceasefire and establishing an aid corridor.

Meanwhile, over 100 aid organizations warned on Wednesday that “mass starvation” is spreading in Gaza. Israel maintains it is permitting aid shipments into Gaza but claims international agencies are not distributing it.