Hamas has expressed willingness to accept a ceasefire agreement with Israel, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is adamant that the militant group will not have a place in post-war Gaza. Netanyahu’s remarks come after Hamas suggested it was open to an agreement, albeit with some conditions.
The US-backed proposal, announced by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, calls for a 60-day ceasefire and a partial Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. However, Israel has rejected the deal unless Hamas surrenders and disarms. The group is demanding the release of its remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war.
Hamas’ leader Taher al-Nunu said his group was “ready and serious” about reaching an agreement, but insisted that any deal must lead to the complete end of the war. A Hamas delegation is set to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss the proposal.
The conflict has already claimed over 57,000 lives, with hospitals receiving 142 bodies overnight. The Israeli military is investigating reports of civilian casualties. Meanwhile, a hospital director was killed in an Israeli strike west of Gaza City, sparking widespread condemnation.
Netanyahu’s vow to eradicate Hamas has raised concerns about the group’s future prospects. However, Trump views this as a potential turning point in the conflict, with some experts warning that the situation could worsen if the deal falls through.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-war-news-07-02-2025-111a1cf968318cb0fb6d9865a3ac84dc