Hamas Weighs U.S. Cease-Fire Proposal Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Hamas' response to a proposed cease-fire reflects the complex dynamics of the ongoing conflict, emphasizing their conditions for peace and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Hamas announced on Saturday its consideration of an American proposal for a cease-fire aimed at pausing hostilities in Gaza for a minimum of 60 days, while facilitating the release of roughly half of the remaining hostages held by the group. This development follows concerted efforts by U.S. officials and other mediators to broker a new truce, especially after Israel resumed its military operations against Hamas following the collapse of a previous cease-fire arrangement in mid-March. The Israeli government had justified this decision by citing a stalemate in negotiations regarding the truce's future.

While Hamas did not explicitly disclose whether it accepted or denied the cease-fire proposal, the group did indicate that it has submitted a response after conducting broad national consultations. These discussions reportedly focused on the collective aspirations of the Palestinian people, such as achieving a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance, and ultimately fostering a lasting peace agreement.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been prominent in advocating for the cease-fire framework this past week, which would halt all military actions for at least two months, facilitate the exchange of hostages through negotiations focused on Palestinian prisoners, and set the stage for subsequent U.S.-facilitated talks aimed at reaching a permanent cessation of hostilities.

According to Israeli authorities, approximately 20 hostages are believed to be alive, while the remains of more than 30 others are also reportedly still in Gaza. Hamas, on its part, has signaled willingness to return the hostages in exchange for halting the conflict and pushing for a full Israeli withdrawal from the territory, which underscores the urgent humanitarian needs faced by civilians in Gaza amid the ongoing strife.