Hamas has announced it is considering what US President Donald Trump termed a “final” ceasefire proposal for Gaza, insisting that any agreement must involve a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Palestinian group indicated that it is “assessing” the new suggestions put forth by mediators from Egypt and Qatar. However, it asserted that any deal must “guarantee an end to the conflict and an Israeli exit from Gaza.”
This statement follows President Trump’s assertion on Tuesday that Israel had accepted the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire, following a “long and productive” dialogue between US officials and their Israeli counterparts.
In his first public remarks since Trump’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s unwavering position, stating that the eradication of Hamas is non-negotiable.
“There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan. We’re not going back to that. It’s over,” Netanyahu declared at an event hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline.
Despite the entrenched stances, Trump’s announcement has instilled a sense of cautious optimism among some residents of Gaza. Kamal, a resident of Gaza City, expressed hope via phone to reporters, saying, “I hope it would work this time, even if for two months, it would save thousands of innocent lives.”
Others expressed doubt. Adnan Al-Assar, speaking from Khan Younis in southern Gaza, remarked, “We hope he is serious like he was serious during the Israeli-Iranian war when he said the war should stop, and it stopped.”
The nearly two-year-long conflict has inflicted severe damage on Gaza and intensified domestic pressure on Netanyahu to secure a lasting ceasefire—an idea staunchly opposed by hardliners within his right-wing coalition.
In the meantime, a recently negotiated truce between Israel and Iran, following last month’s 12-day escalation, along with strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has placed Hamas—supported by Tehran—under increased scrutiny.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar suggested that the majority in the coalition would support a deal that ensured the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
“If there is an opportunity to do so – we must not miss it!” Saar posted on X. Of the 50 hostages believed to be in Gaza, around 20 are thought to be alive.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid also extended political support for any potential agreement, indicating that his party could act as a parliamentary “safety net” if Netanyahu’s cabinet encounters internal dissent.
Lapid’s assurance not to support a no-confidence vote could help maintain Netanyahu’s coalition in the event of backlash from far-right members against a ceasefire.