DOHA — Hamas has formally responded to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, marking a new stage in more than two weeks of indirect negotiations mediated in Qatar.
In a statement posted Thursday on Telegram, the Palestinian militant group said it had “just submitted its response and that of the Palestinian factions to the ceasefire proposal to the mediators.” The move follows weeks of stalemated discussions aimed at reaching a truce that would include the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed receipt of the response, noting in a brief statement that it is “currently being evaluated.”
A Palestinian source familiar with the ongoing talks revealed that Hamas’s response included proposed amendments on several key issues: the entry of humanitarian aid, the mapping of areas from which Israeli troops must withdraw, and assurances for a permanent end to hostilities.
Despite intensive diplomatic efforts in Doha, mediated by Qatari and U.S. officials, negotiations have so far failed to produce a breakthrough. Each side continues to blame the other for stalling the process.
Israel insists that any agreement must include the dismantling of Hamas’s military and governing structures — a stance it considers non-negotiable. On the other hand, Hamas is demanding guarantees for a full Israeli military withdrawal, the unimpeded flow of aid, and a lasting ceasefire.
Of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas during its October 2023 attack, 49 remain in captivity, including 27 whom the Israeli military believes are dead.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer on Wednesday accused Hamas of being the main obstacle to a deal. “Israel has agreed to the Qatari proposal and the updated Witkoff proposal. It is Hamas that is refusing,” he told reporters, referring to the U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff is expected to travel to Europe this week to continue discussions aimed at reaching a ceasefire and improving humanitarian access.
Meanwhile, humanitarian concerns in Gaza continue to mount. More than 100 aid organisations warned on Wednesday that mass starvation is spreading rapidly. Israeli officials maintain that aid is being allowed into Gaza but claim that international agencies are failing to distribute it effectively.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomats and mediators cautiously hopeful that the latest round of proposals and responses could edge the parties closer to a temporary truce.
