Hamas has reportedly responded to a United States-backed proposal for a phased deal in Gaza, that would lead to a ceasefire deal in the Middle East region.
The militants group, which controlled Gaza before triggering the war with an October 7 attack on Israel, has reportedly given initial approval of the ceasefire deal after dropping a key demand that Israel give an upfront commitment for a complete end to the war, a Hamas and an Egyptian official told the Associated Press on Saturday.
The apparent compromise could deliver the first pause in fighting since November and set the stage for further talks on ending the devastating nine months of fighting.
But all sides cautioned that a deal is still not guaranteed.
The two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss ongoing negotiations, told the Associated Press that Washington’s phased deal would first include a “full and complete” six-week cease-fire that would see the release of a number of hostages, including women, older people and the wounded, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
During the 42 days, Israeli forces would withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza and allow the return of displaced people to their homes in northern Gaza, the officials said.
According to the report; over that period, Hamas, Israel and mediators would negotiate the terms of the second phase that could see the release of the remaining male hostages, both civilians and soldiers, the officials said. In return, Israel would free additional Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The third phase would include the return of any remaining hostages, including bodies of the dead, and the start of a yearslong reconstruction project.
Hamas still wants written guarantees from mediators that Israel will continue to negotiate a permanent cease-fire deal once the first phase goes into effect, the officials said.
The Hamas representative told The Associated Press the group’s approval came after it received “verbal commitments and guarantees” from the mediators that the war won’t be resumed and that negotiations will continue until a permanent cease-fire is reached.
“Now we want these guarantees on paper,” the representative said.
Months of on-again off-again cease-fire talks have stumbled over Hamas’ demand that any deal include a complete end to the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has offered to pause the fighting but not end it until Israel reaches its goals of destroying Hamas’ military and governing capabilities and returning all hostages held by the militant group.
Hamas has expressed concern that Israel will restart the war after the hostages are released. Israeli officials have said they are worried Hamas will draw out the talks and the initial cease-fire indefinitely without releasing all the hostages.
Netanyahu’s office did not respond to requests for comment, and there was no immediate comment from Washington. On Friday, the Israeli prime minister confirmed that the Mossad spy agency’s chief had paid a lightning visit to Qatar, a key mediator, but his office said “gaps between the parties” remained.
“For the first time in many months, we feel hopeful,” a statement by many families of hostages said. “Netanyahu, we have seen how you repeatedly thwart deals in real time. Don’t you dare break our hearts again.”