Diplomatic push for Gaza ceasefire intensifies with Hamas response

The Palestinian group Hamas has confirmed that it has delivered its response to mediators regarding the latest proposal to resume ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.

The announcement was made through a post on the group’s Telegram channel, Caliber.Az reports via multiple media sources.

However, the statement did not disclose any further specifics about the content of the response.

Meanwhile, Al-Hadath TV, citing unnamed sources, reported that Hamas’s reply was positive, though it also refrained from offering any additional details.

Previously, Al-Hadath had reported that the response document submitted by Hamas included a demand for the withdrawal of Israeli forces to a point 1.2 kilometres away from the Philadelphia Corridor in southern Gaza.

The group also insisted that at least part of the humanitarian aid entering the enclave should be delivered via the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, rather than being distributed through the Humanitarian Fund for Gaza.

On July 23, Sky News Arabia stated that Egyptian and Qatari mediators involved in the indirect talks between Israel and Hamas had urged the Palestinian faction to provide a more constructive response to the ceasefire framework. According to the outlet, Hamas’s reply primarily included comments regarding humanitarian aid distribution, a timetable and map for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and assurances for a long-term truce.

Under the terms of the latest proposal, a 60-day ceasefire would be implemented, during which Hamas would release 10 Israeli hostages who are still alive, along with the remains of 18 individuals who died while being held in Gaza. In return, Israel would commit to releasing 150 Palestinian prisoners serving long-term sentences, as well as 1,100 Palestinians detained in Gaza since the start of the Israeli military campaign in October 2023. The agreement would also include a significant scale-up in the volume of humanitarian assistance entering the territory.

According to the Hamas-linked Maan news agency, the ceasefire agreement is expected to be signed and made public either later this week or by early next week at the latest. The agency mentioned that the announcement could take place as early as July 25 or on July 27, depending on whether all remaining details are finalised in time.

In a related diplomatic development, White House Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to meet today with Israeli Minister of Strategic Planning Ron Dermer and the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The meeting is scheduled to take place on the Italian island of Sardinia.

By Tamilla Hasanova