Gaza: Hamas Agrees in Principle to Ceasefire and Prepares for Implementation Negotiations

Hamas announced in an official statement issued last Friday evening that it has concluded all internal consultations and with Palestinian factions regarding a proposal to cease fire in the Gaza Strip, confirming that it has delivered a positive response to the mediators and reiterated its serious readiness to immediately enter into negotiations related to the implementation mechanism of the agreement.

The movement's statement explained that the response came after a thorough study of the proposal put forward by the mediators and was delivered after consultation with Palestinian forces, emphasizing that its position was positive and opened the door to the success of diplomatic efforts.

On the other hand, Israeli media quoted official sources confirming receipt of a response from Hamas regarding the ceasefire, stating that the relevant authorities in Israel have begun studying the details without disclosing an official position so far.

Palestinian sources had reported that Hamas included minor amendments in its response related to the mechanism of introducing humanitarian aid into the sector, as well as the withdrawal of the Israeli army from specific areas within Gaza.

The sources added that the movement requested that UN-affiliated organizations take the lead in delivering humanitarian aid, while expressing reservations about involving the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" in the distribution mechanism, without clear reasons mentioned.

In a related context, other sources revealed that a dispute still exists between Hamas and the mediators regarding only two points, which are currently being addressed, amid indications of relative progress in the negotiation process.

Those sources indicated that the mediators obtained American guarantees not to resume military operations after the proposed ceasefire lasting for 60 days, while Hamas demanded that Washington be an official guarantor signing an agreement ensuring a permanent cessation of war.

Regarding humanitarian provisions, Israeli Channel 14 stated that the proposal includes a prisoner exchange deal involving the release of 10 living Israeli prisoners in exchange for the release of 1000 Palestinian prisoners, reflecting the stakes involved in the success of this agreement in calming the situation.