Hamas Signals Openness to Ceasefire, Rejects U.S.-Backed Proposal

Hamas suggested Wednesday that it was open to a ceasefire agreement with Israel but stopped short of accepting a U.S.-backed proposal announced by President Donald Trump, insisting on its longstanding demand for an end to the war in Gaza.

Trump announced Tuesday that Israel had agreed to terms for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept the deal before conditions worsen.

The U.S. president has been intensifying pressure on both Israel and Hamas to broker a ceasefire and hostage agreement to end the nearly 21-month-long conflict.

Trump stated the 60-day period would be used to work toward ending the war, a condition Israel rejects until Hamas is defeated. He suggested a deal could materialize as early as next week.

Hamas’ response, emphasizing its demand for a complete end to the war, cast doubt on whether the latest offer could lead to a pause in fighting. Hamas official Taher al-Nunu said the group was “ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement.”

He added, “We are ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war.”

A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official who spoke on condition of anonymity, as he was not authorized to discuss the talks with the media.

Throughout the conflict, ceasefire negotiations have repeatedly stalled over disagreements on whether the war should end as part of any deal. Hamas has stated it is willing to release the remaining 50 hostages, fewer than half of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the war. Israel, however, insists it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and exiles itself—conditions the group has refused.