Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza will lead to the end of the war, a source close to the militant group said on Thursday, as medics reported Israeli strikes across the territory had killed scores more people.
Efforts for a Gaza truce gained momentum after the US secured a ceasefire to end a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran. However, Israeli strikes continued unabated in Gaza, killing at least 59 people on Thursday, according to health authorities.
A US president said that Israel had accepted conditions needed to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas. The proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Negotiations would immediately start on a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas is seeking clear guarantees that the ceasefire will eventually lead to the war’s end, according to a source close to the group. Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been working to secure US and international guarantees that talks on ending the war would continue as a way of convincing Hamas to accept the proposal.
A senior Israeli official said preparations were in place to approve a ceasefire deal, but two Israeli officials said those details were still being worked out. Israel is expecting Hamas’ response by Friday and plans to join indirect talks if it’s positive.
The proposal also includes aid entering Gaza immediately and a phased Israeli withdrawal from parts of the enclave. The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-seeks-ceasefire-guarantees-scores-more-killed-gaza-2025-07-03