Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, has responded positively to the ceasefire proposal put forward by the United States. The proposal, supported by the US, suggests a 60-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This development comes after Israel had already expressed its support for the proposal, signaling a potential breakthrough in the efforts to halt the violence in the region.
According to a Palestinian official familiar with the negotiations, Hamas has submitted its response to the US-mediated ceasefire proposal. The source revealed to Reuters that Hamas’ reply is affirmative and is expected to aid in reaching an agreement on the ceasefire. In a statement released later, Hamas expressed readiness to engage in discussions on implementing the ceasefire proposal “immediately and seriously.”
Reports from Israeli media outlets such as Haaretz and the Qatari channel al-Araby suggest that Hamas is accepting the main points of the agreement, albeit with some minor additions they seek to include. Israel’s Minister of Strategic Affairs, Ron Dermer, reportedly endorsed the proposal during his visit to Washington this week. Israeli sources confirm that Israel has received Hamas’ response to the ceasefire plan, and the details are currently being reviewed by the government.
In a show of solidarity, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group announced their support for the ceasefire plan for Gaza but emphasized the need for assurances that the negotiation process will lead to a sustainable ceasefire. They highlighted the importance of guarantees that Israel will cease military actions in Gaza once Hamas’ hostages are released.
The US-backed proposal, which includes a 60-day ceasefire, has garnered support from Israel earlier on. The draft agreement, formulated by Qatar, is based on the framework outlined by the US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Additionally, Hamas’ ally, the Islamic Jihad, has indicated its support for the ceasefire negotiations but insists on safeguards to prevent Israeli attacks post the release of hostages in Gaza.
As the situation continues to unfold, the response from the United States regarding Hamas’ acceptance of the proposal remains awaited. The evolving dynamics in the ceasefire negotiations highlight the complex web of diplomatic efforts and power dynamics at play in the region, underscoring the delicate balance required to achieve lasting peace and stability in Gaza and beyond.
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