Hamas open to Gaza truce but rejects terms of US proposal: Report
Hamas said Wednesday it is open to reaching a ceasefire agreement with 'Israel', but stopped short of accepting the latest US-backed proposal unveiled by President Donald Trump, reiterating its demand that any deal must guarantee a complete end to the war in Gaza, according to an AP report.
The group’s statement came just hours after Trump announced that 'Israel' had agreed to the terms of a new 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal “before conditions worsen.” Trump added that the ceasefire period would be used to work toward ending the war, a condition 'Israel' has so far rejected unless Hamas is defeated.
Speaking to the press, Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nunu said the group is “ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement,” but emphasized that Hamas would only accept “any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war.”
A Hamas delegation is expected to meet with Qatari and Egyptian mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The latest ceasefire plan reportedly includes a partial 'Israeli' withdrawal from Gaza and a significant increase in humanitarian aid. According to an 'Israeli' official familiar with the proposal, the mediators, along with the US, would provide assurances that negotiations toward ending the war would take place, though 'Israel' is not formally committing to that outcome as part of the deal.
Details on the potential captive release remain unclear, but earlier proposals called for around 10 captives to be freed during the initial stage.
'Israel' has not officially commented on Trump’s remarks. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to visit the White House on Monday for talks with Trump, following a recent visit by Netanyahu’s adviser Ron Dermer for high-level discussions with US officials on Gaza, Iran, and regional security.
Since the war began in October 2023, repeated ceasefire initiatives have failed to yield lasting results, with both sides sticking to conditions the other has so far refused to meet. While Trump’s renewed push adds diplomatic weight, Hamas’ insistence on a full end to hostilities suggests significant hurdles remain.
