Hamas is demanding clear international guarantees that a new ceasefire proposed by the United States will lead to a final end to the war with Israel, a source close to the group said, quoted by “Reuters“, reports News.bg.
At the same time, Israeli airstrikes in the enclave continue; according to local health authorities, at least 59 people died on Thursday.
Senior Israeli officials say the chances of a deal are significant, nearly 21 months after the start of the conflict. The dynamics have intensified after US mediation ended a 12-day aerial confrontation between Israel and Iran.
US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Israel had accepted a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties would work towards a lasting agreement. Hamas, however, has set a condition for “ironclad” guarantees that the ceasefire will lead to an end to the fighting. Israeli sources say the details are still being worked out.
Hamas’ response is expected by Friday. If the response is positive, an Israeli delegation will participate in indirect talks to finalize the deal, possibly in Egypt or Qatar.
The proposal envisages the gradual release of 10 live Israeli hostages and the handover of the bodies of 18 Palestinian prisoners killed in a clash. Of the 50 or so hostages remaining, 20 are believed to be alive.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen confirmed to Ynet that “there is definitely a willingness to move forward.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is leaving for Washington on Monday to meet with Trump, has given the green light for the ceasefire, according to an aide.
On the ground, fighting continues. On Thursday, an Israeli strike on a school in Gaza City housing displaced families killed at least 17 people; another 20 were killed in an attack near a humanitarian aid point in the southern part of the Strip. The Israeli military said it was investigating the incidents and was seeking to reduce civilian casualties as it battles Hamas militants.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants infiltrated Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. Since then, the Israeli offensive in Gaza has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians and displaced most of the enclave's more than two million residents, according to the enclave's health ministry.
Israel says it will not end the war as long as Hamas controls Gaza and has weapons. Hamas, in turn, has declared its readiness to release the remaining hostages if Israel ends its military operation.