Hamas has formally responded to the latest Gaza cease-fire proposal with what it calls a positive stance, expressing full readiness to return to negotiations. The development has renewed hopes for a temporary halt to fighting and progress toward a broader political settlement after nearly two years of war.

Hamas Signals Shift in Stance

In separate statements released Friday, Hamas confirmed it had submitted a positive response to mediators and was ready to “immediately enter” talks to implement the framework for a 60-day cease-fire.

The proposal reportedly includes phased hostage-for-prisoner exchanges and a negotiated path toward a permanent cease-fire.

Hamas’s new position marks a major step following months of stalled indirect negotiations. The group’s willingness to engage in detailed talks has been praised by a mediator who had held prior direct contact with Hamas, saying the movement “has made the adjustments it deems necessary.”

Framework of the Proposal

The truce plan, brokered by the United States and mediated by Qatar and Egypt, includes several key points:

Release of hostages: 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others would be handed over in the initial stages.

Prisoner exchange: In return, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli pullback: Israeli troops would withdraw from parts of northern Gaza, though exact terms are still under negotiation.

Negotiations on a permanent cease-fire: Talks would begin during the truce period to resolve the broader conflict.

A White House envoy, Steve Witkoff, previously advanced the 60-day proposal, and President Donald Trump has strongly pushed both Israel and Hamas to make a deal. “Make the deal in Gaza,” Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this week.

New Leadership, Persistent Demands

Hamas’s shift comes as the group adjusts to a new command structure following the death of Muhammad Sinwar. Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who now leads Hamas’s military wing in Gaza, has emphasized conditions for any lasting deal: complete Israeli withdrawal, end of the war, release of prisoners, Gaza reconstruction, and lifting of border restrictions.

Al-Haddad has been described by Israeli officials as a hardliner who helped plan the October 7, 2023, attacks and is deeply skeptical of any Israeli presence in Gaza.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the apparent momentum, significant gaps remain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists that Hamas must be dismantled as a political and military force before any long-term agreement. Far-right elements in his coalition have threatened to collapse the government if a permanent cease-fire is accepted.

Negotiations may also stall over the sequencing of military withdrawals and the structure of prisoner exchanges. Israel opposes Hamas’s practice of televising prisoner handovers, which it sees as propaganda.

A Fragile Window of Opportunity

With Trump scheduled to meet Netanyahu in Washington soon and recent U.S.-led airstrikes in Iran concluded, American officials hope the relative lull presents a window to push both parties toward compromise.

If successful, the truce would offer some relief to Gaza, where more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed and nearly all of its two million residents displaced since the war began. Food shortages and humanitarian collapse have prompted mounting international pressure for a resolution.