Hamas Open to Ceasefire as Netanyahu Rejects Role in Postwar Gaza

CAIRO (AP) — As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, Hamas and Israel have delineated their positions ahead of anticipated talks on a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal. On Wednesday, the militant group signaled its openness to an agreement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared there would be “no Hamas” in a postwar Gaza. Despite the U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of the ceasefire proposal on Tuesday, both parties stopped short of accepting it.

Hamas reiterated its long-standing demand for any agreement to include an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump stated that Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire and urged Hamas to accept the deal to prevent further deterioration of conditions. The U.S. administration has been intensifying pressure on both the Israeli government and Hamas to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage agreement to bring an end to the war.

Ceasefire Proposal Details

According to Trump, the proposed 60-day ceasefire would serve as a period to work towards ending the war—an outcome Israel insists is contingent upon Hamas’s defeat. Trump expressed optimism that a deal could be finalized as soon as the following week. However, Hamas’s response, emphasizing its demand for the war’s conclusion, casts doubt on whether the proposal will lead to an actual cessation of hostilities.

Hamas official Taher al-Nunu stated that the group was “ready and serious regarding reaching an agreement” and “ready to accept any initiative that clearly leads to the complete end to the war.” A Hamas delegation is set to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo to discuss the proposal, according to an Egyptian official who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks.

Historical Context and Ongoing Conflict

The nearly 21-month-long war has seen numerous ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas falter over the issue of ending the war as part of any agreement. Hamas has expressed willingness to release the remaining 50 hostages—less than half of whom are believed to be alive—in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to the conflict. Conversely, Israel maintains that it will only agree to end the war if Hamas surrenders, disarms, and exiles itself, a condition Hamas rejects.

“I am announcing to you — there will be no Hamas,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a speech on Wednesday.

An Israeli official noted that the latest proposal includes a 60-day deal featuring a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and increased humanitarian aid to the territory. However, Israel is not committing to ending the war as part of this proposal, the official added.

Humanitarian Crisis and Casualties

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the death toll surpassing 57,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ministry reported that more than half of the deceased are women and children, though it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count. Since dawn on Wednesday, Israeli strikes have claimed the lives of 40 people across the Gaza Strip, including four children and seven women, as per hospital officials.

The war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, has left the Palestinian territory in ruins. More than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, often multiple times, leading to widespread hunger and desperation.

“I’m holding my hands and praying that this will come about,” said Idit Ohel, mother of Israeli hostage Alon Ohel. “I hope the world will help this happen, will put pressure on whoever they need to, so the war will stop and the hostages will return.”

International Diplomatic Efforts

On Monday, Trump is scheduled to host Netanyahu at the White House, following discussions between Ron Dermer, a senior Netanyahu adviser, and top U.S. officials regarding Gaza, Iran, and other issues. Trump has used social media to assert that Israel has “agreed to the necessary conditions to finalize the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War.”

Despite Trump’s warnings, there is skepticism within Hamas regarding the proposal. Even before the expiration of the war’s longest ceasefire in March, Trump has issued ultimatums to pressure Hamas into agreeing to longer pauses in fighting, which would facilitate the release of more hostages and the return of aid for Gaza’s civilians.

Trump views the current situation as a potential turning point in the brutal conflict. However, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges as both sides hold firm to their demands and conditions.

The director of the Indonesian Hospital, Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, was among those killed in an Israeli strike, underscoring the human cost of the ongoing conflict. His death, along with his family members, highlights the tragic toll on medical professionals and the critical healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will bring relief to the war-torn region and restore a semblance of peace and normalcy to the lives of millions affected by the conflict.