• Hamas has submitted a positive response to a US-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal with Israel, signaling readiness to begin detailed negotiations.
• The agreement includes phased hostage releases by Hamas, Israeli troop withdrawals from northern Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid access.
• Despite ongoing violence and political opposition, both Israel and Hamas show signs of compromise,. with keyKey talks and a potential ceasefire deal are expected soon.

In a significant development on Friday, Hamas revealed it had delivered a “positive response” to a proposal aiming to halt hostilities with Israel for 60 days in Gaza. This gesture marks a rare breakthrough after months of stalled talks and relentless violence. The group expressed readiness to immediately begin negotiations focused on the practical steps needed to implement the ceasefire plan,. signalingThis signals a possible shift toward peace amid a brutal conflict that has devastated the region.

Israel had already accepted the framework, which was backed by the United States,. settingThis sets the stage for both sides to engage in detailed talks before formally agreeing to a ceasefire. Hamas’s move injects a cautious optimism into a situation many feared was spiraling beyond control.

Palestinian-American Diplomat Hails Progress Amid Reservations

Bishara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American involved in direct dialogue with Hamas, welcomed the group’s positive response. Posting on social media, he declared that the war might finally be nearing its end, despite Hamas submitting some “amendments” to the original proposal. He believes these changes won’t block a ceasefire agreement from materializing within the week,. fingersFingers crossed.

Meanwhile, an Israeli official, speaking anonymously, said the changes Hamas suggested were expected and minor,. These are unlikely to disrupt the ceasefire push. This mutual understanding marks a critical juncture, as both sides appear ready to focus on details rather than deal breakers.

Trump’s Optimism Fuels Ceasefire Expectations

Former US President Donald Trump chimed in with a hopeful tone on Friday, saying he anticipated a ceasefire deal could be sealed by next week. “We have to get it over with,” Trump said plainly, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the Gaza crisis. His administration has played a pivotal role in crafting the ceasefire blueprint and mediating between the two sides.

Hostage Release at the Heart of the Ceasefire Proposal

The proposal’s provisions include a delicate hostage exchange, a deeply emotional issue for both Israelis and Palestinians. Around 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with the plan calling for Hamas to release 10 living hostages and 18 deceased individuals during the ceasefire period. On day one, Hamas would free eight living captives in return for an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees and prisoners.

Following this exchange, Israel would begin pulling back troops from northern Gaza,. pavingThis action would pave the way for talks aimed at a long-term ceasefire. Importantly, the hostage releases are to happen quietly, without any public ceremonies by Hamas,. reducingThis reduces the risk of political grandstanding or propaganda.

The remaining hostages would be freed in four subsequent stages, carefully scheduled as part of the agreement. This gradual approach aims to build trust, though skepticism remains high on both sides.

Renewed Ceasefire Talks Sparked by Regional Tensions

Efforts to revive peace talks gained momentum after a recent 12-day flare-up between Israel and Iran. Qatar, a key mediator, quickly stepped in to facilitate indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, seeking a compromise rooted in earlier proposals.

The new ceasefire framework includes stronger guarantees from the US, reassuring Israel that Washington will remain involved in negotiating a permanent peace deal,. This involvement will continue even if it takes place during or after the initial 60-day truce. This reassurance was a vital concession for Israel, which had previously doubted the durability of short-term ceasefires.

Additionally, the proposal calls for a significant increase in humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza through established channels. This plan avoids reliance on the contentious Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, addressing Palestinian concerns about aid management and oversight.

Trump Pushes for a Deal, Urges Hamas to Accept

Trump has actively campaigned for a ceasefire, asserting that Israel had already met the necessary conditions for a deal. On social media, he urged Hamas to accept the offer, warning that rejection would only worsen the situation. “It will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE,” he cautioned, acknowledging Qatar and Egypt’s roles in advancing the talks.

Israel gave its formal approval to the ceasefire proposal last Tuesday, coinciding with a high-profile meeting in Washington, DC. Ron Dermer, a close adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, met US officials including special envoy Steve Witkoff,. signalingThis meeting signaled the seriousness with which both governments approached the negotiations.

Hamas responded the following day by saying it was reviewing the proposal through “national consultations.” The group stressed its goal of ending Israeli aggression, securing troop withdrawals, and providing urgent aid to Gaza’s people.

Next Steps: Proximity Talks and Key Hurdles

Insiders say the two sides are set to enter “proximity talks” soon —. This is a negotiation style where representatives remain in the same building but communicate through intermediaries to avoid direct confrontation. These sessions can drag on or conclude swiftly, depending on the parties’ flexibility.

One of the most contentious issues expected to dominate discussions is the timetable for Israel’s military withdrawal from Gaza during the ceasefire. Resolving this will be crucial for maintaining momentum toward peace.

Qatar’s Role and the Evolution of the Proposal

The 60-day ceasefire proposal emerged after months of quiet diplomacy, largely driven by Qatar and supported by the Trump administration. Earlier ceasefire attempts faltered when Hamas rejected initial offers, demanding stronger guarantees for a permanent end to hostilities.

This latest version tries to meet Hamas’s core demand by promising continued US involvement. This involvement aims to extend the truce beyond 60 days if a comprehensive peace deal hasn’t been reached yet. It’s a significant diplomatic adjustment reflecting the complexity of the conflict and the difficulty of building trust.

The Human Cost and Ongoing Violence

Despite these hopeful talks, the fighting has taken a devastating toll. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports over 57,000 deaths in Gaza since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Israel has maintained heavy bombardment on Gaza, resulting in numerous civilian casualties even as negotiations proceed.

Israel has long insisted that any ceasefire must not prevent it from destroying Hamas’s military power or disrupting its control over Gaza. Yet, following the recent confrontation with Iran, Prime Minister Netanyahu appears more open to compromise.

Netanyahu’s Shift Toward Hostage Return

In a notable shift, Netanyahu said Sunday that the recent military actions against Iran had opened “many opportunities,” including the chance to bring Israeli hostages back home. This marks a rare public moment where the Prime Minister seemed to prioritize rescuing captives over completely dismantling Hamas.

Netanyahu plans to meet with Trump at the White House on Monday. andHe will convene his full cabinet on Saturday night to discuss the ceasefire proposal. While far-right members of his coalition have vowed to block any deal, other political factions have voiced support for ending the bloodshed.

A Fragile Hope for Peace

The path to peace remains uncertain and fraught with political and emotional landmines. But with Hamas’s positive response, Israel’s acceptance, and US-backed mediation, a ceasefire deal seems closer than it has in months.

Whether this fragile optimism will lead to lasting peace or collapse under pressure remains to be seen. The world watches closely, hoping that after years of pain, the guns in Gaza may finally fall silent—for at least a while.