Hamas announced on Saturday that it had received Israel’s official response to its latest ceasefire proposal and would review it before providing a reply. Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ deputy Gaza chief based in Qatar, stated that the group received the response from the Israeli authorities regarding the proposal presented to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13. Negotiations, which have been ongoing for more than six months due to the conflict with Israel in Gaza, remain at a standstill, with Hamas insisting that any agreement must bring an end to the war.
An Egyptian delegation visited Israel on Friday for discussions with Israeli officials in an effort to restart talks and resolve the conflict, including the return of remaining hostages held since Hamas fighters entered Israeli towns on Oct. 7. According to an official familiar with the meetings, Israel did not present any new proposals but expressed willingness to consider a limited truce that would involve the release of 33 hostages by Hamas, compared to the previously discussed number of 40.
On Thursday, the United States and 17 other countries urged Hamas to release all hostages as a step toward resolving the crisis. Despite Hamas’ resistance to international pressure, a statement issued by the group on Friday indicated openness to ideas or proposals that address the needs and rights of the Palestinian people. However, Hamas maintained its key demands, which Israel has rejected, and criticized the joint statement from the U.S. and others for not advocating for a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed optimism on Friday about progress in talks to end the war and release the remaining hostages. Additionally, Axios reported, citing Israeli officials, that Israel informed Egyptian mediators on Friday of its readiness to give negotiations on hostages “one last chance” to reach a resolution with Hamas before considering an invasion of Rafah, where around a million Palestinians have sought refuge from Israeli forces.
Meanwhile, in Rafah, Palestinian health officials reported that an Israeli airstrike on a house resulted in the deaths of at least five people and injuries to others. The conflict began when Hamas fighters entered Israeli towns on Oct. 7, leading to casualties and the capture of hostages. Israel has vowed to defeat Hamas, with casualties surpassing 34,000 Palestinians.
