Media: Hamas signals openness to ceasefire, insists on complete end to Gaza war

Hamas indicated its willingness to engage in a ceasefire agreement with Israel but underscored that any accord must bring a comprehensive end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The militant group stopped short of endorsing a US-backed proposal announced hours earlier by President Donald Trump, who called for a 60-day ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities and facilitating negotiations toward a lasting peace, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Trump revealed that Israel had agreed in principle to terms for a two-month ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal promptly to avoid further deterioration. The US administration has been intensifying diplomatic pressure on both sides to secure a ceasefire, a hostage release arrangement, and ultimately an end to the protracted war.

The US leader emphasized that the proposed ceasefire would serve as a window to work toward resolving the conflict, although Israeli officials have insisted that hostilities will only cease once Hamas is defeated. Trump also suggested that a deal might be finalized as soon as next week.

However, Hamas’ response signaled continued reservations. Taher al-Nunu, a senior Hamas official, affirmed that the group was “ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement,” but clarified that it was “ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war.” This qualification cast doubt on the feasibility of the current US-brokered proposal, which does not demand an immediate end to the war.

A Hamas delegation is slated to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on July 2 to discuss the ceasefire terms, according to an anonymous Egyptian official. The official declined to provide further details, citing lack of authorization.

The fundamental divide between Israel and Hamas over how the conflict should conclude remains unresolved. Hamas has maintained its position that it will free the approximately 50 remaining hostages—fewer than half of whom are reportedly alive—in exchange for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and cessation of hostilities. Conversely, Israel demands that Hamas surrender, disarm, and leave Gaza, conditions the group rejects outright.

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, revealed that the current proposal envisages a 60-day ceasefire accompanied by a partial Israeli troop withdrawal and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Although the mediators and the United States would offer guarantees toward broader peace negotiations, Israel has refrained from committing to any definitive end-of-war terms as part of the deal.

Details regarding the number of hostages to be released under the agreement remain unclear, though previous proposals have called for the release of approximately ten captives.

As of now, Israel has not publicly responded to President Trump’s announcement. Trump is scheduled to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for discussions focused on Gaza, Iran, and other critical issues. This follows recent high-level talks between Netanyahu’s senior adviser Ron Dermer and US officials.

By Vafa Guliyeva