On July 4, 2025, Hamas officially announced a "positive response" to a US-backed 60-day ceasefire proposal with Israel, signaling a crucial step toward potentially ending the long-standing conflict in the Gaza Strip. This development follows months of intense negotiations, intermittent violence, and a humanitarian crisis that has devastated the region.
According to Hamas's official website, the group expressed its readiness to immediately engage in a new round of negotiations concerning the implementation mechanism of the ceasefire framework. The statement emphasized that Hamas was prepared "with all seriousness" to enter talks, marking a significant shift after months of stalemate.
Earlier, on July 1, 2025, US President Donald Trump declared that Israel had "accepted the necessary conditions" for a ceasefire deal lasting 60 days. This announcement was the culmination of diplomatic efforts involving multiple parties, including Qatar and Egypt, which have played vital roles as mediators in the conflict.
Israeli media confirmed receipt of Hamas's response and indicated that the government was carefully reviewing the proposal. A senior Israeli official speaking to Channel 12 expressed optimism, stating there was a "high probability" that mediated negotiations between Israel and Hamas would commence within days. "If both sides agree to mediated talks, a deal will be reached," the official added.
The ceasefire proposal includes a phased release of hostages, a deeply sensitive issue that has weighed heavily on both sides. Out of the approximately 50 Israeli hostages held in Gaza, the plan calls for the release of 10 living hostages and the return of 18 bodies of deceased captives during the ceasefire period. On the first day alone, Hamas would release eight living hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
Following the initial hostage exchange, Israel is expected to withdraw from certain areas in northern Gaza. Both parties would then begin negotiations aimed at establishing a long-term ceasefire agreement. The remaining hostages would be released over four designated days outlined in the proposal, with the exchange process proceeding without any formal ceremonies or rituals from Hamas.
These renewed ceasefire efforts gained momentum after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran in June 2025, which further complicated regional tensions. The Trump administration has been actively involved, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff coordinating alongside Qatar to facilitate indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, seeking a "neutral solution" based on prior proposals.
Despite these positive signals, challenges remain. Hamas's internal consultations revealed lingering concerns regarding humanitarian aid access, particularly through the Rafah crossing, and the precise timeline for Israel's military withdrawal. A Hamas-affiliated official cautioned that these issues must be resolved to ensure a stable and lasting agreement.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. Since the collapse of the previous ceasefire in March 2025, over 6,000 people have died, and recent Israeli airstrikes have intensified, killing more than 250 Palestinians, including an attack on a school converted into a displacement center. These casualties underscore the urgent need for a durable ceasefire to alleviate civilian suffering.
Hamas has also called on the United States to serve as the official guarantor of a permanent end to hostilities, reflecting the group's insistence on international oversight to prevent future escalations. This demand adds a complex diplomatic layer to the negotiations, as the US balances its support for Israel with its role as a mediator.
US Secretary of State Tommy Pigott announced on June 26 that the US government approved its first direct funding for relief efforts led by Israel in Gaza, urging other nations to contribute. This aid aims to address the worsening humanitarian crisis amid ongoing conflict.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on July 6, 2025, to discuss the Gaza situation and broader regional issues, including the conflict with Iran. His meetings with President Trump are expected to focus on solidifying the ceasefire agreement and ensuring Israel's security concerns are addressed.
The ceasefire proposal also includes commitments from Israel to allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza through traditional channels, moving away from the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Fund, which Israel has supported but which has been criticized for various reasons.
While Hamas's response to the ceasefire proposal is encouraging, some within the group, particularly hardline factions, have reportedly accepted the deal reluctantly. According to reports, these factions see the ceasefire as an opportunity to regroup and strategize for the future, indicating that the underlying conflict dynamics remain complex.
The road ahead involves rapid, direct negotiations between Israel and Hamas, potentially taking place within the same building, with swift exchanges of proposals and counterproposals. The timeline for Israel's withdrawal from Gaza during the ceasefire remains a key sticking point, alongside guarantees for humanitarian access and the security of both populations.
In the backdrop, public pressure continues to mount. On June 7, 2025, large-scale protests erupted across Israel, with citizens demanding their government secure the release of all hostages held in Gaza. These demonstrations reflect the intense domestic stakes tied to the negotiations and the emotional weight of the conflict.
As both sides prepare to engage in these critical talks, the international community watches closely, hopeful that this latest attempt can finally bring relief to a region long plagued by violence and hardship. The coming days will be decisive in determining whether a fragile ceasefire can hold and pave the way toward a more enduring peace.
