Hamas has indicated a willingness to explore a ceasefire with Israel, but the group has not accepted the terms of the US-backed proposal. The core demand from Hamas remains the complete cessation of the war in Gaza. The US-backed proposal was presented by Donald Trump. Trump reported that Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal. Hamas’s response showed a commitment to ending the conflict. A Hamas representative stated that they would consider any initiative that leads to the war’s end. Discussions between Hamas representatives and mediators from Egypt and Qatar were scheduled in Cairo. Disagreements between Israel and Hamas on the end of the war have been a major impediment to previous ceasefire negotiations. Hamas seeks a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the war in return for the release of hostages. Israel demands Hamas’s surrender, disarmament, and exile. The recent proposal includes a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and a substantial increase in humanitarian aid. Trump has issued ultimatums to Hamas to pressure them into extended ceasefires. The war has brought devastation to Gaza. The conflict began with a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, followed by extensive fighting and a severe humanitarian crisis.
