Hamas Submits Official Response to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Negotiations

Hamas has submitted its response to an Israeli proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, including demands for a permanent ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, and revised troop withdrawal maps, particularly insisting on Israeli forces retreating from residential areas and Salah al-Din Road. While Palestinian sources describe Hamas's response as positive and aimed at a lasting ceasefire, mediators from Egypt and Qatar have deemed the response unacceptable, urging Hamas to soften its stance to advance negotiations. Israel has shown willingness to withdraw troops approximately 1,000 to 1,200 meters from the Philadelphi route, while Hamas demands 800 meters, with prisoner release numbers also a significant point of contention. Negotiations continue in Doha with U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediation, but Hamas's insistence on permanent war-ending guarantees remains a key obstacle, which Israel rejects, linking a full ceasefire to dismantling Hamas's military infrastructure. The U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is actively engaging with leaders in Europe to push for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, with the Biden administration emphasizing urgency for both. Israeli officials remain hopeful that if Hamas improves its response, talks could progress toward a breakthrough.