Hamas gives positive response to Gaza ceasefire proposal with reservations
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Palestinians gather for receive food on July 3, 2025, in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images
Hamas said its response to a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal "can be characterized as positive" and stressed it is ready to start negotiations on the implementation.
Why it matters: President Trump has been pushing both Hamas through Qatari and Egyptian mediators and Israel to agree on a deal that includes a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and the release of 10 live hostages and 18 deceased hostages.
- Trump wants a breakthrough Monday when he meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Between the lines: Sources with knowledge of the talks said Hamas gave the Qatari mediators three reservations that it wants to discuss in indirect talks with Israel and the United States.
- Hamas demands that after a ceasefire starts, the UN will once again run the humanitarian aid delivery system in Gaza and that the Israel and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund will not be part of the aid delivery.
- Hamas wants the IDF to withdraw to its boundaries from before the ceasefire collapsed last March.
- Israel refused those demands.
What's inside: According to the agreement, during the 60-day ceasefire Israel and Hamas will hold indirect negotiations on the terms for a permanent end to the war.
- The current proposal says that the U.S., Qatar and Egypt will commit to extending the ceasefire beyond 60 days if more time is needed to negotiate an end the war.
- Hamas demands a stronger commitment from the U.S. that Israel won't be able to unilaterally resume the war after 60 days.
What to watch: It is still unclear how the Trump administration and Israel interpreted Hamas' response and whether it will lead to "proximity talks" between the parties to try and agree on the three remaining points and iron out the details of the deal.
Friction point: The updated proposal Hamas responded to does not include any reference to how many Palestinian prisoners would be released in exchange for the 10 live hostages.
- White House envoy Steve Witkoff's original proposal, submitted to the parties a several weeks ago, would have Israel release 125 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences for murdering Israelis, along with 1,111 Palestinians from Gaza who were arrested by Israeli forces after October 7 in exchange for the 10 live hostages.
- Senior Israeli officials said they are concerned that Hamas will try to reopen the issue to change the ratio. This could lead to a tough and prolonged negotiations.
