Hamas Signals Readiness to Resume Gaza Ceasefire Talks

(MENAFN) Hamas announced on Sunday that it had received a new ceasefire initiative from the United States via intermediaries, expressing its willingness to re-enter talks aimed at halting Gaza genocide.

“We received some ideas from the American side through mediators to reach a ceasefire agreement,” the group said in a statement on Telegram.

The organization voiced support for any effort contributing to “efforts to stop the aggression on our people.”

Hamas stated it is prepared to “immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all prisoners in exchange for a clear declaration of ending the war and a complete withdrawal (of Israeli forces) from the Gaza Strip.”

As part of a broader political arrangement, the group also backed the creation of an independent Palestinian body to oversee civil governance in Gaza. Hamas called on Israel to guarantee adherence to any agreement reached, citing a history of violations: "to prevent a repetition of past experiences where agreements were reached but then rejected or overturned."

Referring to earlier developments, Hamas said it had accepted a ceasefire plan on August 18, which was brokered by Egypt and Qatar and based on a framework proposed by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. However, the group stated that the “(Israeli) occupation has not responded so far but continued its massacres and ethnic cleansing campaign.”

"Therefore, the Hamas movement remains in constant contact with mediators to develop these ideas into a comprehensive agreement that meets the demands of our people," it added.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday that he had submitted a ceasefire and hostage exchange proposal related to the Gaza conflict, asserting that it had full backing from Israel. However, a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the proposal is still under review and is being “seriously considered.”

Hamas has reiterated its openness to a full-scale agreement that would secure the release of all Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, bring the conflict in Gaza to an end, and prompt the total withdrawal of Israeli forces. Nonetheless, Netanyahu has reportedly rejected similar deals, opting instead for phased agreements that critics say allow him to delay progress and impose shifting demands at each stage.

The Israeli military campaign, ongoing since October 2023, has left a devastating toll on Gaza, killing nearly 64,400 Palestinians. The territory is now grappling with widespread famine and humanitarian collapse.

In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for both Netanyahu and his former defense minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza.

Separately, Israel is the subject of an ongoing genocide case before the International Court of Justice over its conduct in the enclave.

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