Hamas has formally responded to Israel’s latest proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza after over two weeks of indirect negotiations in Qatar failed to secure a breakthrough. In a statement released on Telegram, the Palestinian militant group confirmed it had submitted its reply, along with input from other Palestinian factions, to mediators involved in the Doha talks. Israel, through the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledged receipt of the response and stated it is currently under evaluation.
According to a Palestinian source familiar with the talks, Hamas proposed changes to the ceasefire deal, particularly on issues such as the flow of humanitarian aid, detailed maps of Israeli army withdrawal zones, and guarantees for a permanent end to hostilities. The ongoing negotiations are centered around a truce that would facilitate the release of the remaining Israeli hostages taken during Hamas’s October 2023 attack. Out of 251 hostages, 49 are still in captivity, with the Israeli military reporting that 27 of them are presumed dead.
Tensions remain high as each side accuses the other of being inflexible. Israel insists that Hamas must be dismantled both militarily and politically as part of any agreement. Hamas, on the other hand, demands a complete Israeli troop withdrawal, an end to the blockade, and unrestricted humanitarian access. Israeli spokesperson David Mencer claimed Hamas was the obstacle to progress, despite Israel accepting previous proposals from Qatar and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
Meanwhile, international concern grows over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. More than 100 aid groups have sounded alarms over the risk of widespread starvation, blaming restrictions and logistical issues. Israel maintains it is allowing aid into Gaza but says distribution delays lie with international agencies. U.S. envoy Witkoff is expected to travel to Europe for further ceasefire discussions, while global figures, including the Pope, have called for an end to the violence.
