Hamas accepts proposed Gaza ceasefire deal with Israel

Hamas has delivered what it describes as a “positive response” to a proposed ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement with Israel, signaling a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In a statement released on Friday, the Palestinian militant group expressed readiness to begin negotiations without delay.

“The movement is ready to engage immediately and seriously in a cycle of negotiations on the mechanism to put in place the terms of a draft truce proposal received from mediators,” Hamas said.

Earlier in the week, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israel had accepted a 60-day pause in hostilities. He added that the United States would work closely with all sides during this window to pursue a lasting end to the war.

Israeli officials, however, have not formally confirmed the ceasefire agreement.

According to details shared by Al Jazeera, the proposed truce includes an immediate halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza once the agreement is in effect.

Air surveillance and military flights over the territory are expected to stop for 10 hours each day, and for 12 hours on days designated for prisoner and hostage exchanges.

The framework outlines a timeline beginning with the start of negotiations under mediator supervision. Talks will cover key components of a permanent ceasefire, the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Broader issues around security and post-conflict governance, referred to as “Day after” arrangements, will also be open for discussion.

Specific exchange milestones are built into the plan, starting on day one with the release of eight live hostages. This will be followed by the return of five deceased captives on day seven, another five deceased on day 30, two live captives on day 50, and eight deceased on day 60.

The proposal also includes provisions for immediate humanitarian assistance to be sent into Gaza once Hamas officially accepts the terms.

This development marks the closest the two sides have come to securing a ceasefire agreement since March.