FILE PICTURE
CAIRO: Hamas announced on Friday that it had responded “in a positive spirit” to a U.S.-mediated proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and expressed readiness to negotiate its implementation.
The plan, described by U.S. President Donald Trump as a “final proposal,” calls for a 60-day truce in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which has lasted nearly 21 months. It includes provisions for the gradual release of hostages and negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting end to the conflict.
President Trump said he expected formal responses from both parties within hours of announcing the proposal. The move is seen as a renewed diplomatic push to halt the fighting and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Officials said the deal would begin with a temporary ceasefire, during which details of hostage exchanges and longer-term security arrangements would be worked out through further talks.
There was no immediate formal response from Israel at the time of Hamas’s announcement.
