Hamas has submitted a positive response to a US-brokered ceasefire proposal aimed at ending the nearly 21-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, according to a Palestinian official involved in the negotiations. The official said the response “should facilitate reaching a deal.”
The development follows US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a “final proposal” for a 60-day ceasefire, with Trump stating he expected replies within hours. The plan envisions efforts to permanently end the conflict during the ceasefire period and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Despite Trump’s optimism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly commented. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Monday. While Trump asserted that Israel had agreed to the necessary conditions, tensions remain as Israel demands Hamas’ disarmament, a condition the group rejects.
Meanwhile, Israeli attacks continue across Gaza, with local health officials reporting at least 138 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours, including 15 people in an airstrike on a tent encampment near Khan Younis. Funeral prayers were held for the victims on Friday.
“We don’t want food, we want them to end the bloodshed,” said Adlar Mouamar, whose nephew was among the dead. Thirteen-year-old Mayar Al Farr wept over her brother Mahmoud, shot while retrieving food aid. “He got a bullet in his neck. It killed him on the spot,” she said.
Trump has pledged to be “very firm” with Netanyahu in upcoming talks, urging a swift ceasefire to end the humanitarian catastrophe and secure the release of remaining hostages.
